Consequências do comportamento sedentário no bem-estar psicossocial: estudo qualitativo com idosos residentes em Portugal (Consequences of sedentary behavior on psychosocial well-being: a qualitative study with older adults living in Portugal)

Abstract

Scientific evidence suggests that excessive sedentary behavior is a risk factor for physical health in older adults, regardless of their activity level. However, knowledge about the consequences of sedentary behavior on various psychosocial indicators in the older population is still poor. The aim of this study was to identify and understand the consequences of sedentary behavior on the psychosocial well-being of older adults in Portugal. Fourteen older people, aged between 65 and 73 years, participated in the study. Questionnaires were used to determine the average daily time spent in different sedentary behaviors and the usual level of physical activity. Data were also collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. It was found that the different dimensions of sedentary behavior (type of sedentary behavior, interruption of sedentary behavior, time of uninterrupted sitting, and the frequency) may influence the psychosocial well-being of older adults. In addition, three themes (perceived improvement and maintenance of cognitive function, perceived positive affective states, and perceived social interaction) were associated with promoting psychosocial well-being in older adults, and two themes (perceived decreased social relationships and perceived symptoms of mental fatigue) may contribute to the decline in psychosocial well-being. The findings of this study are useful for understanding older adults’ experiences of sedentary behavior and its impact on the cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of their lives.