Profiles of sedentary behaviors in the oldest old: findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study

Background Sedentary behavior is a significant health risk. Emerging research suggests that mentally active sedentary behaviors (e.g., computer use and reading) are associated with better health than mentally passive sedentary behaviors (e.g., watching TV). However, these relationships are not well established in the literature, and little is known about the oldest old (age >= 80). Aims The aims of this study were to (1) identify distinct subgroups of oldest old adults based on six domains of sedentary behavior (watching TV, using a computer/tablet, talking to friends or family members, doing hobby or other activities, transportation, and resting/napping); and (2) compare health-related outcomes across identified subgroups, using the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) dataset. Methods Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct profiles of sedentary behavior. Design-based linear and logistic regressions were used to examine associations between different profiles and health outcomes, accounting for socio-demographic characteristics. Results A total of 852 participants were included. We identified four profiles and named them based on total sedentary time (ST) and passive/active pattern: Medium-passive, High-passive, Low, High-mentally active. Compared to the High-passive group, Low group and High-mentally active group were associated with fewer difficulties with activities of daily living, fewer problems limiting activities and higher cognitive function. Conclusion This study, with a national representative sample of the oldest old population, suggests that both total ST and sedentary behavior pattern matter when evaluating health outcomes of being sedentary. Interventions should encourage oldest old adults to reduce ST and especially target mentally passive ST.

Automated summary

This study identified distinct subgroups of oldest old adults based on sedentary behavior profiles and found that both total sedentary time and sedentary behavior pattern were associated with health outcomes. Participants with less total sedentary time and mentally active sedentary patterns had better health outcomes.