Moving More: Helping Older Adults be Physically Active
Moving More: Helping Older Adults be Physically Active
The Problem
As people age, they often become less physically active, which leads to muscle weakness, making everyday tasks like housework, personal care, and leisure activities more difficult. Chronic health conditions like heart disease and arthritis can worsen this.
The Research
This study aims to adapt the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for older adults with chronic health conditions in the early stages of frailty. A new approach to physical activity counselling delivered by physiotherapists, “Moving More,” will be compared to current methods to test whether it increases physical activity levels and reduces sedentary time.
The Impact
By promoting increased physical activity and balancing sleep and sedentary time, this study will improve health outcomes for older adults with chronic health conditions. The goal is to help older adults stay active and independent and prevent frailty.
Research Study
Research Study
Physical frailty in older adults occurs when they have reduced daily function and health. Factors associated with frailty, such as low energy and physical weakness, can pose challenges in daily life. These challenges may include difficulties with housework, personal care, leisure activities, and employment. Physically frail adults often have chronic conditions like heart disease, osteoarthritis, and type-2 diabetes that limit their daily activities and independence.
When older adults increase their physical activity, they can help manage their chronic conditions and prevent frailty. Our recent study showed that physical activity counselling by a physiotherapist can help older adults with chronic conditions stay active. The key to that study was having a physiotherapist work with the person to develop a realistic physical activity plan and make updates over time. In this study, we will adapt the new Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for older adults in an early stage of frailty and chronic conditions.
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Linda Li
Senior Scientist, Implementation Science, BSc(PT), MSc, PhD, FCAHS
Dr. Linda Li is Professor and holds the Harold Robinson/Arthritis Society Chair in Arthritic Diseases at the Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, and Senior Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. Her research in implementation science focuses on strategies to enhance patient care and support self-care activities. Specifically, her work revolves around the integration of digital tools to improve clinical practice. Examples include the use of interactive decision aids to enhance communication between patients and health professionals, and the use of wearables and apps to promote physical activity in chronic disease management.
