Incorporating Physical Activity Assessments and Behavior Change Techniques Into Geriatrics

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Preventive Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• 91% of adults 65+ do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations, elevating risks of disability, morbidity, and mortality.
• A significant gap exists as 50%-75% of healthcare providers do not use behavior change techniques to address inadequate PA levels.
• This gap stems from provider deficits in assessing PA, addressing low PA, and justifying time for these interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical, 3-step clinical decision pathway for healthcare providers to address physical activity in older adults.
• To offer a conceptual model linking PA assessment and intervention to the Age-Friendly Health System's 4Ms (What Matters, Mentation, Mobility, Medications).
• To empower older adults to increase their physical activity levels through guided action planning.

Main Methods:

• Development of a theoretical-based, 3-step clinical decision pathway.
• Integration of PA assessment and intervention strategies within the clinical workflow.
• Conceptual model aligning PA with the Age-Friendly Health System's 4Ms framework.

Main Results:

• A structured pathway to identify older adults with inadequate PA levels.
• Guidance on assessing patient readiness to increase PA.
• A method to empower patients in developing personalized PA action plans.

Conclusions:

• The proposed pathway and model can bridge the clinical gap in addressing physical activity in older adults.
• Integrating PA into routine care, linked to patient priorities (4Ms), can enhance adherence and outcomes.
• This approach supports proactive health management and improved quality of life for aging populations.