Long-Term Relationship between Psychological Distress and Continuous Sedentary Behavior in Healthy Older Adults: A...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Psychological distress (PD) is linked to continuous sedentary behaviors (CSB) in older adults.
• The long-term relationship between PD and CSB requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term relationship between psychological distress and continuous sedentary behaviors in older adults.
• To analyze the temporal dynamics between PD and CSB over a two-year period.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of data from 72 healthy elderly individuals (aged 65+) from 2016-2018.
• Utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) with cross-lagged and synchronous effects models.
• Employed Kessler 6 scale (K6) for PD and defined CSB based on metabolic equivalents (METs) and duration.

Main Results:

• Psychological distress in 2016 significantly predicted increased CSB in 2017 (β = 0.141, p = 0.025).
• Psychological distress in 2017 significantly predicted increased CSB in 2018 (β = 0.187, p < 0.001).
• Continuous sedentary behavior in 2016 significantly predicted increased CSB in 2018 (β = 0.188, p < 0.001), indicating stability in sedentary habits.

Conclusions:

• Psychological distress may influence the rate of continuous sedentary behaviors one year later in older adults.
• Continuous sedentary behaviors may impact psychological distress levels two years later, suggesting a potential bidirectional relationship.