24-h Movement Patterns: Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity of Older Retired Olympic and Commonwealth Games Athletes—An Observational Study

Background

Increasing age is associated with reduced physical activity and greater time spent sedentary. However, participation in competitive sport in early adulthood can promote physical activity in older age. To provide insight, this study aimed to objectively and contextually describe the 24-h movement patterns of retired elite New Zealand athletes.

Methods

Twenty-eight adults aged over 60 years (mean 74 ± 7 years) who represented New Zealand at an Olympic or Commonwealth Games provided data for this cross-sectional study. Participants completed data collection in their homes and then wore two accelerometers continuously for 7 days: an ActiGraph GT3X+ on the wrist and an ActivPAL on the thigh. Participants also completed three 24-h activity recalls. Periods of time spent sedentary, sleeping and physically active were determined by validated cut points and algorithms.

Results

Participants spent an average of 7 h 8 min (SD 58 min) per night asleep; 43% of participants were short sleepers (< 7 h/night). Participants spent an average of 3 h 20 min (SD 40 min) engaged in light- and 2 h 22 min (SD 1 h 1 min) engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. On average, participants spent 46% of their day sedentary. Walking and outdoor work/gardening were the most reported types of activity.

Conclusions

This group of retired New Zealand elite athletes engaged in physical activity exceeding the amount recommended for extra health benefits by the World Health Organization. A significant number of participants were identified as having insufficient sleep and may benefit from an intervention to improve overall sleep duration.