Redefining active aging: critical insights from different living environments

Improving active aging is crucial across various living environments and for older adults whose social networks tend to shrink with age. Understanding the interplay between environment, movement behavior, and social participation is essential for fostering active aging and reducing morbidity in older age. Given the complex nature of active aging and the limited research on the interaction between physical activity, social participation, and environment, this dissertation employs a multi method approach to address my research questions. The social-ecological model guided this work as it considers multiple levels of factors affecting active aging, and allows for comparisons across different environments. It also lays the groundwork for future research to enhance the aging experience for older adults in various living environments. The first study used a strengths-based approach to examine associations between environmental factors and social participation among a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults. Analyses indicated that the social participation outcomes were highly correlated with physical activity. The second study analyzed data from an intervention to reduce sedentary time (Stand When You Can) among residents of assisted living facilities in three Canadian provinces. Despite potential impacts from COVID-19 restrictions on participant outcomes, this study provided valuable insights into the social dynamics within assisted living communities indicating that movement and social behaviours are intimately related in this population. The third study was a qualitative investigation that explored the opinions and experiences of front-line hospital workers and hospital leadership regarding sedentary time and social isolation in hospital settings. The data shed light on how an intervention to reduce sedentary time and social isolation aligns with hospital priorities and values, but barriers related to cost and time create significant constraints. Together, this work highlights the intricate connections between the environmental context, movement behaviours, and social participation. It offers a comprehensive perspective that can inform targeted interventions and policies to enhance active aging, and improve quality of life for older adults across diverse living environments.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Kličnik, Irmina

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Dogra, Shilpa

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1898

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1898