Social support is important for health and well-being and has been associated with reduced isolation in rural communities. Support from family and friends may become increasingly important as one ages, and may enable some seniors to remain living in their communities. The purpose of this project was to understand variation in the social support resources of older adults in rural Canada. This included variation in seniors social networks, support networks, tasks and services received, and exchange patterns. Methods included secondary analysis of a national telephone survey of adults aged 65 and older residing in rural Canada. Four key findings emerged. First, there was variation in the connections seniors had to family and friends. While some seniors had social networks averaging two people, others had social networks averaging 17. Who is present in social networks sets limits on who can be recruited into the support network. Second, who gets recruited from social networks into support networks varies. On average, social networks comprised 10 people, but support networks averaged three people. Spouses, children, middle-aged and local social network members were most likely to be recruited into support networks. However, recruitment depended on who was available to provide support. Third, not everyone receives support. Findings revealed that 15 percent of seniors who had a social network reported receiving no support, while nine percent who received support had few people who provided help with tasks like housework and shopping. While some of that group may not need support and/or are providing help to others, some seniors may have only one or two people to rely on. Fourth, rural older adults are not passive receivers of support. Many provide a high number of tasks to family and friends, helping build social ties and maintain supportive relationships. These findings point to the need for rural communities to be vigilant about evolving support needs of older residents. If seniors have few people who provide them with support, or if they rely on non-kin, who will provide care if needed? Services will be needed to fill the gap, and these services are not always available in rural areas.

Older adults represent a growing part of the population of the United States. Due to decreased physical activity, dietary changes, and alterations in metabolic rate this population is susceptible to an increased rate of diseases. The generation entering older adulthood is one which welcomed fast food and meal replacement foods allowing them to adapt to a more sedentary lifestyle and to need programs of preventative health. The Nutrition and Life Satisfaction Survey was used to investigate gardening as a preventative health intervention for older adults. This instrument was used to compare older (age 50+) gardeners and nongardeners on their perceptions of personal life satisfaction, nutrition, health, and gardening habits. The instrument was posted online at the Aggie Horticulture website in spring 2005. Respondents differentiated themselves as gardeners or nongardeners by responding positively or negatively to the question “Do you garden?” Then, they completed the questionnaire about their quality of life andhealth status and, for gardeners, their gardening habits. Results indicated that gardeners had more desirable responses: Overall quality of life scores were higher for gardeners compared to nongardeners, and four individual quality of life statements yielded more positive answers by gardeners. Additionally, gardeners reported a higher consumption of total fruits and vegetables, including herbs, and of vegetables only including herbs. Personal reports of physical activity and of perceived health were higher among gardeners. Females were more likely than males to garden and spend a higher percentage of their budget on fruits and vegetables. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables and higher levels of physical activity result in healthier lifestyles and, in turn, can increase quality of life.

This investigation, comprising two studies, examined the number of barriers to physical activity (Study 1) and barrier strength (Study 2) reported by middle-aged and older adults using a social ecological framework (McLeroy et al., 1988). Researchers were interested in assessing age group (45-54; 55-64; 65-74 yrs) by physical activity group (active, less active) effects for barrier responses using analyses of variance. In Study 1, 180 participants completed a physical activity level survey (Godin & Shephard, 1985) and answered open-ended questions about barriers. Results indicated that 45-54 yr-olds reported more barriers overall, and more intrapersonal barriers than older groups. Less active 45-54 yr-olds reported more organizational-interpersonal barriers than the other groups. Descriptive analyses of coded themes demonstrated that common intrapersonal barrier sub-themes cited by younger adults related to family commitments, while sub-themes reported by middle-aged and older adults related to having a health problem or an injury. In the organizational-interpersonal category, the most common barrier sub-theme related to the workplace. In Study 2, 116 participants completed a survey assessing weekly physical activity and barrier strength for items pertaining to ecological categories and barrier sub-factors. Results showed that less active adults reported each of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and physical environment barriers more strongly than active adults, irrespective of age; the intrapersonal category was relatively the most constraining for our participants. In terms of barrier sub-factors, results showed that significantly higher barrier strength scores are most often associated with physical activity level (i.e., less active), and only occasionally associated with age group. The overall investigation can provide valuable information for improving physical activity interventions for middle-aged and older adults.

Falls among Canadian older adults is a growing problem, not only in terms of incident rates and its impacts, but most importantly, the vast scope of preventable morbidity and mortality. A decline in age-related physical function is acknowledged as a risk factor of falls. Community-based group exercise programs such as Yang style tai chi may help to reduce fall risk by improving components of physical function. To investigate, a pretest-posttest experimental design was conducted. Post-intervention assessments revealed Yang style tai chi practiced three times a week over eight weeks improved balance, muscle strength and muscle endurance. These findings suggest Yang style tai chi is moderately effective in reducing fall risk but further research is needed to determine the true effectiveness of tai chi as a fall prevention strategy. This study provides directions for future research guided by a proposed conceptual framework and offers some tentative recommendations for community health practice. / UOIT

Pre-hypertension (pre-HT) (Blood Pressure (BP) ≥120/80mmHg to ≤ 140/90mmHg) increases the risk of developing hypertension (HT). BP reductions following acute exercise are known as post exercise hypotension (PEH). BP and perhaps PEH shows a daily circadian rhythm. Purpose: To compare the magnitude of PEH after morning and evening aerobic exercise in adults with pre-HT. Hypothesis: The magnitude of PEH will be larger after evening versus morning exercise. Participants: Pre-HT men and women 50-65 years old. Study Design: Participants engaged in cycling exercise (60% VO2max) on two occasions: 1.5 and 11 hours following waking. Cardiovascular function was assessed for 30 minutes pre and one hour post exercise. Results: 1) Systolic PEH responses affected by TOD differed by gender. 2) Baseline Heart Rate Variability and its response to exercise differed gender but not TOD. The inconsistent significant gender and TOD differences of PEH and its mechanisms suggest that this group.

Pre-hypertension (pre-HT) (Blood Pressure (BP) ≥120/80mmHg to ≤ 140/90mmHg) increases the risk of developing hypertension (HT). BP reductions following acute exercise are known as post exercise hypotension (PEH). BP and perhaps PEH shows a daily circadian rhythm. Purpose: To compare the magnitude of PEH after morning and evening aerobic exercise in adults with pre-HT. Hypothesis: The magnitude of PEH will be larger after evening versus morning exercise. Participants: Pre-HT men and women 50-65 years old. Study Design: Participants engaged in cycling exercise (60% VO2max) on two occasions: 1.5 and 11 hours following waking. Cardiovascular function was assessed for 30 minutes pre and one hour post exercise. Results: 1) Systolic PEH responses affected by TOD differed by gender. 2) Baseline Heart Rate Variability and its response to exercise differed gender but not TOD. The inconsistent significant gender and TOD differences of PEH and its mechanisms suggest that this group.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a progressive exercise program on vestibular control of standing balance, in older adults referred for home care physiotherapy because of balance impairment. Methods: Ability to use vestibular inputs for postural control in standing was assessed using the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB). Participants who had CTSIBTest 5 scores of < 15 seconds were accepted into the study. Participants were randomly assigned to an 8 week intervention of progressive balance exercise targeting ability to use vestibular control and high intensity progressive resistance exercise (PRE) or high intensity PRE only. Results: The difference in CTSIBTest 5 scores of the RBE Group (median 23.3 s) was greater than the difference in CTSIBTest 5 scores for the RE Group (median 0.60 s) (W = 18.0, p <0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that the ability to use vestibular control in older adults, referred for home care physiotherapy for balance impairment, can be modified by progressive balance training and resistance exercise but not by resistance exercise alone.

This investigation, comprising two studies, examined the number of barriers to physical activity (Study 1) and barrier strength (Study 2) reported by middle-aged and older adults using a social ecological framework (McLeroy et al., 1988). Researchers were interested in assessing age group (45-54; 55-64; 65-74 yrs) by physical activity group (active, less active) effects for barrier responses using analyses of variance. In Study 1, 180 participants completed a physical activity level survey (Godin & Shephard, 1985) and answered open-ended questions about barriers. Results indicated that 45-54 yr-olds reported more barriers overall, and more intrapersonal barriers than older groups. Less active 45-54 yr-olds reported more organizational-interpersonal barriers than the other groups. Descriptive analyses of coded themes demonstrated that common intrapersonal barrier sub-themes cited by younger adults related to family commitments, while sub-themes reported by middle-aged and older adults related to having a health problem or an injury. In the organizational-interpersonal category, the most common barrier sub-theme related to the workplace. In Study 2, 116 participants completed a survey assessing weekly physical activity and barrier strength for items pertaining to ecological categories and barrier sub-factors. Results showed that less active adults reported each of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and physical environment barriers more strongly than active adults, irrespective of age; the intrapersonal category was relatively the most constraining for our participants. In terms of barrier sub-factors, results showed that significantly higher barrier strength scores are most often associated with physical activity level (i.e., less active), and only occasionally associated with age group. The overall investigation can provide valuable information for improving physical activity interventions for middle-aged and older adults.

Introduction: Driver perceptions may be a more important determinant of behaviour than one’s actual driving abilities. While there is evidence to support these associations, prior studies have relied on self-reports of driving behaviour. Purpose: The primary purposes of this study were to extend previous research by examining driver perceptions in relation to measures of actual driving behaviour and to compare the perceptions and behaviour of sole versus couple drivers. Methods: A convenience sample of 61 older drivers (aged 67 to 92, 59% women) were recruited as either sole drivers (only driver in the household, n=39) or couples (both currently driving and sharing a vehicle, n=22). Two in-vehicle devices (one with a GPS unit) were installed in participant vehicles for one week. Participants completed trip logs, out-of-home activity diaries, questions on usual driving habits and ratings of situational driving frequency and avoidance. Perceptions were assessed using the Driving Comfort Scales (DCS Day and Night) and Perceived Driving Abilities (PDA) Scales. Couples were also asked to rate their comfort level in their partner’s driving using modified DCSs. Tools were administered at one of two home visits (during which vehicle devices were installed and removed) and an interview conducted at the end to ascertain whether the week’s driving was typical. Results: Driving comfort scores were significantly related to multiple indicators of actual driving behaviour, including: radius from home (DCS-D, p<.05; DCS-N, p<.01), total distance overall (DCS-N, p<.001) and at night (DCS-D, p<.05; DCS-N, p<.01). Perceived abilities, meanwhile, were related to distance driven (p<.01). Although sole drivers were significantly older, they drove more often, longer distances and for greater duration than couple drivers. Overall, men had higher DCS scores and, in couples, were more likely to rate themselves higher than their spouses. Partners’ comfort levels in their spouses’ driving were related to their spouses’ self-reported situational avoidance and amount of night driving over the study week. When couples drove together, traditional roles were evident (i.e., the husband often preferred to drive and the wife let him). Multivariate analyses showed that the square-root of distance (km) was most influenced by household status, location of residence, perceived abilities, and gender (R2 = .57), while the log of the average radius was influenced by location of residence and perceived comfort in night driving (R2 = .33). Conclusions: This was the first study to examine older drivers’ perceptions in relation to actual driving behaviour and to compare the perceptions and behaviour of sole versus couple drivers. Study results supported prior associations (with self-reported driving) and extended our knowledge base by demonstrating that perceptions (both personal and those of others) are important to actual driving behaviour. The current findings also provide new insight into the importance of examining location of residence and household status.

The progressive aging of the population corresponds with a movement in gerontology focusing on factors that promote the positive aspects of aging. The concept of healthy aging corresponds with the multifaceted nature of health but few researchers have examined this concept using a multidimensional approach. The creation of a biopsychosocial definition of healthy aging draws on previous literature to determine important components and potential predictors. The major domains of this definition include physical, cognitive, social, and psychological health. Using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from the Manitoba Study of Health and Aging (MSHA), the purpose was to develop a multidimensional construct of healthy aging based on the four components outlined above. The association between each of the components and the overall construct of healthy aging was examined. A significant interaction was found between physical and cognitive health, indicating that each dimension of health must be assessed in the context of the other. The definition was validated against mortality and institutionalization. Overall healthy aging was significantly associated with future mortality and institutionalization. In addition, healthy aging was compared with the construct of self-rated health to investigate if they are separate constructs. Results indicated that they were overlapping constructs but each variable also had an independent effect on future mortality and institutionalization. Significant demographic predictors of healthy aging at time 2 included younger age and higher education. A greater number of chronic conditions; the presence of vascular factors such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart problems, and chest pain; the presence of neurological factors such as memory problems and nerve trouble; and the presence of other conditions such as chronic pain, eye and ear trouble, and foot problems were also associated with not meeting criteria for healthy aging at time 2. Overall the findings from this study provide support for the importance of a multidimensional definition of healthy aging that is distinct from the construct of self-rated health. The findings underscore the need to assess individual characteristics, such as age, sex, and education, when attempting to predict future health outcomes. A greater understanding of the factors that are associated with healthy aging may encourage opportunities to promote healthy aging. This research may have important implications for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers as they focus on improving quality of life for our aging population.