Physical Activity and Subjective Vitality in Older Adults From Community-and Assisted-Living Settings

There is a growing number of older adults moving into assisted-living facilities to maintain their independence while being assisted with certain tasks and having convenient access to services. Physical activity (PA) and vitality play an important role in independence, as well as in mental health, of older adults. However, no research has examined the difference in older adults' levels of vitality (defined as the state of feeling alive and alert) between those living in assisted-living facilities and those from community-living settings. This study also explored sociodemographic predictors of PA and vitality among older adults living in two different types of housing.

This cross-sectional study examined differences in PA levels and vitality between older adults (aged ≥ 60 years; n = 148, mean age = 74.70 years) living in assisted-living facilities (n = 85, mean age = 77.46 years) and those in community-living settings (n = 63, mean age = 70.98 years). PA was assessed by accelerometry, and vitality was measured using the subjective vitality scale.

Engagement in light PA and moderate to vigorous PA was higher in individuals living in community-living settings after controlling for sociodemographic variables. However, vitality was not significantly different between the two types of housing after controlling for sociodemographic variables. Marital status, education, and number of diagnosed diseases were associated with vitality.

The support is needed for designing strategies to increase PA in older adults living in assisted-living facilities. More attention should be paid to increasing subjective vitality of older adults in both types of housing to promote healthy aging.