Factors that Influence Physical Activity among Residents in Assisted Living

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that influence physical activity among residents in assisted living. This was a secondary data analysis using baseline data from a function-focused care intervention study including 171 residents from 4 assisted living facilities. Using structural equation modeling, we found that mood, satisfaction with staff and activities, and social support for exercise were directly associated with time spent in physical activity. Gender, cognition, depression, and comorbidities were indirectly associated with physical activity and accounted for 13% of the total variance in physical activity. Implications for future research and social work practice are presented.

KEYWORDS:

• Assisted living
• environment
• physical activity
• residential care
• satisfaction

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through the Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative Grant Program.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no financial or personal conflicts with this paper.