From the Guidelines
Physical inactivity in residential aged care is a critical health concern characterized by insufficient engagement in bodily movement, resulting in prolonged sitting or lying down with minimal movement throughout the day, which can lead to significant morbidity, mortality, and reduced quality of life. It occurs when older adults in care facilities spend excessive time in sedentary behaviors, typically less than the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week 1. This inactivity is particularly concerning in aged care settings where residents may spend up to 85% of their waking hours sedentary or immobile. Physical inactivity in these environments is often influenced by multiple factors including residents' physical limitations, cognitive impairments, lack of motivation, insufficient staffing, inadequate activity programs, and environmental barriers that limit movement opportunities. Some key factors that contribute to physical inactivity in residential aged care include:
- Residents' physical limitations
- Cognitive impairments
- Lack of motivation
- Insufficient staffing
- Inadequate activity programs
- Environmental barriers that limit movement opportunities The consequences of physical inactivity are significant, including:
- Accelerated functional decline
- Increased risk of falls
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Pressure injuries
- Depression
- Overall reduced quality of life As noted in a recent systematic review on nurse-led physical activity interventions for people with dementia in nursing homes, there is currently no gold standard for promoting physical activity in nursing homes, but different approaches are being developed and tested 1. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize targeted interventions to promote appropriate movement and activity tailored to residents' abilities and preferences, such as nurse-led physical activity interventions, to address physical inactivity in residential aged care.
From the Research
Definition of Physical Inactivity
Physical inactivity in the context of residential aged care refers to the state of being inactive or sedentary, which can have detrimental effects on the health and well-being of older adults 2.
Factors Contributing to Physical Inactivity
Several factors contribute to physical inactivity in residential aged care settings, including:
- Setting-related factors such as the physical environment, social environment, and caregiver-related factors 2
- Poorer physical condition of residents 2
- Ageism, social capital, and loss of a loved one 3
- Pain and lack of staff support 3
Prevalence of Physical Inactivity
Studies have shown that residents of aged care homes spend a significant amount of time in inactive behavior, with one study finding that participants spent 85% of their time sedentary 4.
Consequences of Physical Inactivity
Physical inactivity can lead to a range of negative consequences, including falls and fall-related injuries, functional impairments, reduced quality of life, and excess healthcare costs and mortality 5.
Strategies to Reduce Physical Inactivity
Strategies to reduce physical inactivity in residential aged care settings include:
- Improving features of the physical environment 2
- Providing caregiver support and encouragement [(2,3)]
- Implementing exercise programs, such as multicomponent exercise, balance and strength training, and home-hazard assessment and modification [(5,6)]
- Developing innovative ways to break up sedentary behavior 4