Social networks, sedentary behavior and physical activity

Abstract

There is an increasing proportion of older adults across the world. It was reported that these older adults aged 65 years and above will constitute 16% of the global population by 2050 (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016).1 Physical activity is critical to retaining health, but a majority of older adults are insufficiently physically active and have high levels of sedentary (sitting) time.2,3 It is well documented that sedentary behaviors among aging populations are associated with health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and death.2 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services4 recommends that older adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week in bouts of at least 10 minutes each, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity, or an equivalent combination of these two, per week, in addition to balance (three times per week) and muscle strengthening (twice per week) activities.