(Symposium chair): New directions in promoting physical activity among older people.

Conference: IAGG VIII European International Congress

Dates: 23-26 April 2015

Abstract:

Participation in physical activity is key to the European agenda of promoting active ageing. However, the challenge remains as to how best promote physical activity among older people. This symposium brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers to discuss new directions in promoting physical activity among older people. Four speakers from Europe and Australia will present empirical work on new directions in methods of evaluation, outdoor mobility, intervention design, and sedentary behaviour: [1] Do Strategies To Increase Physical Activity Among Older People Work For Individuals? Dr Samuel Nyman, UK A series of n-of-1 randomised controlled trials were used to evaluate the use of behaviour change techniques to increase walking activity among older people.

[2] Environmental Characteristics And Life-Space Mobility In Community-Dwelling Older People Dr Merja Rantakokko, Finland An observational study with a two-year follow-up investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal predictors of restriction of outdoor mobility among older people.

[3] Fitbit Pedometers And Health Coaching To Increase Physical Activity Among Older Community-dwelling People Dr Anne Tiedemann, Australia Using a subset of the intervention group from a randomised controlled trial, the acceptability of a new intervention was investigated that aims to increase physical activity without also increasing falls.

[4] More Movement During Sedentary Time Is Positively Associated With Metabolic Outcomes Dr Annemarie Koster, The Netherlands An observational study that used accelerometers investigated the benefits of physical activity for older people even during seated activities.

This symposium may prompt a step-change in our understanding of how best to promote physical activity among older people.

Source: Manual