Changes in Physical Activity and Function with Transition to Retirement Living: A Pilot Study.

Cette etude pilote a examine les changements dans l’activite physique et la fonction chez les personnes âgees se deplacant de logements communautaires aux maisons de retraite. L’activite physique a ete evaluee en utilisant un Actigraph (GT3X +) moniteur d’activite; l’activite physique par type a ete rapportee avec le questionnaire CHAMPS de l’activite. La fonction physique a ete evaluee en utilisant le Test de Fitness Senior. L’activite physique totale, objectivement controlee, a diminue apres la transition (p = 0,02). Rapports d’activite physique par type ont indique que seules les activites de la vie quotidienne ont diminue (p <0,01), bien que l’exercice intentionnel s’est augmente (p <0,03) avec la transition. L’endurance et la force sont egalement ameliores (p <0,05 et p <0,04). Resultats du projet pilote indiquent que des avantages physiques possibles profitent de la vie de la retraite, bien que les efforts visant a reduire le temps sedentaire sont necessaires. ABSTRACT: This pilot study examined changes in physical activity and function among older adults moving from community dwellings to retirement living. Twelve community-dwelling older adults, recruited from the wait-lists of two retirement living facilities, were assessed prior to and following the transition to retirement living. Physical activity was assessed using an Actigraph (GT3X+) activity monitor; physical activity by type was reported with the CHAMPS activity questionnaire. Physical function was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Objectively monitored total physical activity decreased after the transition to retirement living ( p = 0.02). Reports of physical activity by type indicated that only activities of daily living decreased ( p p p p < 0.04). Pilot results indicate that possible physical benefits accrue from retirement living, although efforts to reduce sedentary time are needed.