From the Guidelines
Physical inactivity is a significant concern in residential aged care because it accelerates functional decline and worsens health outcomes for elderly residents, and thus, it is essential to prioritize physical activity to improve their morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Sedentary behavior in aged care facilities leads to muscle atrophy, decreased bone density, reduced cardiovascular fitness, and impaired balance, which collectively increase the risk of falls, fractures, and hospitalization 1. Many residents spend up to 90% of their day sitting or lying down, which contributes to chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. This inactivity often stems from institutional barriers such as inadequate staffing, safety concerns, limited space, and care routines that prioritize efficiency over movement. Additionally, residents may lack motivation or have physical limitations that discourage activity.
The consequences of physical inactivity extend beyond physical health to impact cognitive function, social engagement, and quality of life. Implementing regular, tailored exercise programs that include strength training, balance exercises, and walking can significantly improve residents' wellbeing, while environmental modifications and staff training can create a more movement-friendly culture within aged care facilities 1. According to the World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, older adults should engage in multicomponent physical activity that emphasizes functional balance and strength training to enhance functional capacity and prevent falls 1.
Some of the key barriers to implementing physical activity interventions in residential aged care include fatigue, misunderstanding of tasks, unwillingness or health decline of residents, omission of activity stimulation, high workload, and work pressure 1. However, additional training sessions, interdisciplinary consultations, and more time can facilitate the implementation of these interventions. Therefore, it is crucial to address these barriers and prioritize physical activity in residential aged care to improve the health and wellbeing of elderly residents.
Some potential strategies to promote physical activity in residential aged care include:
- Implementing regular, tailored exercise programs that include strength training, balance exercises, and walking
- Creating a more movement-friendly culture within aged care facilities through environmental modifications and staff training
- Providing additional training sessions, interdisciplinary consultations, and more time to facilitate the implementation of physical activity interventions
- Addressing barriers to physical activity, such as fatigue, misunderstanding of tasks, and high workload, to ensure that residents can engage in regular physical activity.
From the Research
Concerns of Physical Inactivity in Residential Aged Care
Physical inactivity is a significant concern in residential aged care due to its impact on the health and well-being of residents. Some of the key concerns include:
- Reduced mobility and increased risk of falls 2
- Decreased health-related quality of life 3
- Limited opportunities for physical activity and functional independence 4
- Increased sedentary behavior, with residents spending up to 85% of their time sedentary 2
Factors Influencing Physical Activity in Residential Aged Care
Several factors influence physical activity in residential aged care, including:
- Levels of activity prior to living in residential aged care 4
- Ageism and social capital 4
- Loss of a loved one, pain, and staff support 4
- Availability of opportunities for physical activity and functional independence 4
Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Residential Aged Care
Various interventions can promote physical activity in residential aged care, such as:
- Low-threshold physical activity interventions, which can have sustainable effects on health-related quality of life 3
- Purposeful activity interventions, which can improve well-being and quality-of-life outcomes 5
- Balance training using virtual reality, which can improve balance and physical performance 6
- Innovative ways to break up sedentary behavior, such as encouraging short bouts of physical activity throughout the day 2