This study examined associations of neighbourhood walkability with cognitive functioning (i.e., global cognition, memory, language, attention-psychomotor speed, and executive functioning) in... Show moreThis study examined associations of neighbourhood walkability with cognitive functioning (i.e., global cognition, memory, language, attention-psychomotor speed, and executive functioning) in participants without or with either heart failure, carotid occlusive disease, or vascular cognitive impairment. Neighbourhood walkability at baseline was positively associated with global cognition and attention-psychomotor speed. These associations were stronger in patients with vascular cognitive impairment. Individuals who live in residential areas with higher walkability levels were less likely to have impairments in language and executive functioning at two-year follow-up. These findings highlight the importance of the built environment for cognitive functioning in healthy and vulnerable groups. Show less
Herbolsheimer, F.; Ungar, N.; Portegijs, E.; Dallmeier, D.; Schaap, L.; Smith, T.; ... ; Pas, S. van der 2021
Objectives: To study associations between perceived neighborhood resources and time spent by older adults in active travel. Methods: Respondents in six European countries, aged 65-85 years,... Show moreObjectives: To study associations between perceived neighborhood resources and time spent by older adults in active travel. Methods: Respondents in six European countries, aged 65-85 years, reported on the perceived presence of neighborhood resources (parks, places to sit, public transportation, and facilities) with response options "a lot," "some," and "not at all." Daily active travel time (total minutes of transport-related walking and cycling) was self-reported at the baseline (it = 2,695) and 12-18 months later (it = 2,189). Results: Reporting a lot of any of the separate resources (range B's = 0.19-0.29) and some or a lot for all four resources (B = 0.22, 95% confidence interval [0.09, 0.35]) was associated with longer active travel time than reporting none or fewer resources. Associations remained over the follow-up, but the changes in travel time were similar, regardless of the neighborhood resources. Discussion: Perceiving multiple neighborhood resources may support older adults' active travel. Potential interventions, for example, the provision of new resources or increasing awareness of existing resources, require further study. Show less
BackgroundThis study examines the association of both pain severity and within-person pain variability with physical activity (PA) in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsData from the... Show moreBackgroundThis study examines the association of both pain severity and within-person pain variability with physical activity (PA) in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsData from the European Project on OSteoArthritis were used. At baseline, clinical classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were used to diagnose OA in older adults (65-85years). At baseline and 12-18months follow-up, frequency and duration of participation in the activities walking, cycling, gardening, light and heavy household tasks, and sports activities were assessed with the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam Physical Activity Questionnaire. Physical activity was calculated in kcal/day, based on frequency, duration, body weight and the metabolic equivalent of each activity performed. At baseline and 12-18months follow-up, pain severity was assessed using the pain subscales of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index and the Australian/Canadian Hand OA Index. Within-person pain variability was assessed using two-week pain calendars that were completed at baseline, 6months follow-up and 12-18months follow-up.ResultsOf all 669 participants, 70.0% were women. Sex-stratified multiple linear regression analyses showed that greater pain severity at baseline was cross-sectionally associated with less PA in women (Ratio=0.95, 95% CI=0.90-0.99), but not in men (Ratio=0.99, 95% CI=0.85-1.15). The longitudinal analyses showed a statistically significant inverse association between pain severity at baseline and PA at follow-up in women (Ratio=0.94, 95% CI=0.89-0.99), but not in men (Ratio=1.00, 95% CI=0.87-1.11). Greater pain variability over 12-18months was associated with more PA at follow-up in men (Ratio=1.18, 95% CI=1.01-1.38), but not in women (Ratio=0.94, 95% CI=0.86-1.03).ConclusionsGreater pain severity and less pain variability are associated with less PA in older adults with OA. These associations are different for men and women. The observed sex differences in the various associations should be studied in more detail and need replication in future research. Show less
