Physical Activity of Older Adults Residing in Different Levels of Care

This study compared the physical activity and functional levels of older adults residing in retirement (RH), assisted-living (AL) and nursing homes (NH). The StepWatch Step Activity Monitor3 (SW) pedometer was used to collect the number of steps taken during one day of activity. Activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) surveys were completed to measure functional status in terms of ADL problems and impairments. The sample consisted of thirty-seven older adults (17 RH, 8 AL, 12 NH, 71 – 94 years old) who wore the SW on the right ankle during a full day of routine activity. ADL and IADL surveys were completed the day prior to the collection of physical activity data. Participants wore the pedometers an average of 13.66 ± 1.26 hours (12.63 ± 1.43 RH, 13.82 ± 1.26 AL, 14.13 ± .84 NH) and took 6134.11 ± 5205.60 steps (8518.47 ± 4707.78 RH, 2592.75 ± 1961.69 AL, 5117.17 ± 5913.01 NH). The average score for ADL problems was 2.32 ± .1.31 (3.42 ± .67 RH, 2.88 ± .99 AL, 1.29 ± .99 NH) and 4.35 ± 1.30 for impairments (5.42 ± .67 RH, 5.00 ± .77 AL, 3.29 ± .99 NH). Data indicates that as level of skilled care increases number of steps taken and functional levels of older adults decrease.