Showing papers in "Activities, Adaptation & Aging in 2022"
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors introduce a new theory to account for the complex relationships among the manifestations of social influence, which is called the Theory of Social Influence (TOSI) and is accompanied by the latest research in the journal related to social influence on aging.
Abstract: Acknowledging that social influence is complex and multifaceted, this article introduces a new theory to account for the complex relationships among the manifestations of social influence. The new theory, which is called the theory of social influence, theorizes the relationships between social connectedness, social distancing, social norms, social identification, social interaction, social inclusion, and social isolation. The theory is also accompanied by the latest research in the journal related to social influence on aging.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors introduce an alternative concept called aging in a place of choice (a novel theoretical insight) alongside five new articles (a pragmatic collection of practical insights) in the latest issue of Activities, Adaptation and Aging: Purposeful and Dignified Living for Older Adults.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Aging in place is a concept most people desire (i.e., to live in their own homes for as long as possible). However, that is not always possible. To account for this reality, this article introduces an alternative concept called aging in a place of choice (a novel theoretical insight) alongside five new articles (a pragmatic collection of practical insights) in the latest issue of Activities, Adaptation and Aging: Purposeful and Dignified Living for Older Adults. Therefore, this article should be useful to gain a theoretical and practical understanding of aging in a place of choice.
11 citations
TL;DR: Staff at day centers may play an important role in providing opportunities for older people to maintain health and participation in meaningful activities, and the actions of the staff and conditions affecting activities at the day centers are presented.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Day centers provide opportunities for older people to achieve active and healthy aging. Staff play a significant role in day centers, although evidence is lacking concerning their role. To explore the experiences of staff in promoting active and healthy aging at social day centers, interviews with 12 staff working at day centers for older people were carried out. The findings present two categories: the actions of the staff and conditions affecting activities at the day centers. Staff at day centers may play an important role in providing opportunities for older people to maintain health and participation in meaningful activities.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors shed light on the lessons learned from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic for healthy and seamless aging for older adults and highlighted the implications for preparedness management and opportunity leveraging.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Aging continues irrespective of event, location, and time; it is a process that does not stop or pause. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the community of older adults as profoundly as any other community. However, communities are not homogenous and older adults as a community are different in their own ways (e.g., digital immigrant baby boomers who are generally not as tech-savvy as digital native millennials (Gen Y) and zoomers (Gen Z); generally have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality, lower physical strength and mobility, and greater vulnerability to public health crises as compared to their younger counterparts). As COVID-19 becomes endemic, it is an opportune time to reflect on the lessons learned from COVID-19 for healthy and seamless aging. This article sheds light on such lessons (i.e., implications for preparedness management and opportunity leveraging) emerging out of the latest articles published during COVID-19 in the current issue of Activities, Adaptation & Aging: Dignified and Purposeful Living for Older Adults.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article , a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA protocol, Shoesmith, Charura, and Surr (2022) consolidated evidence on the effective components of visual arts that support older people with dementia.
Abstract: The life of older adults is multi-faceted and the same can be said about the efforts to improve older adults’ quality of life. In this latest issue of Activities, Adaptations and Aging: Purposeful and Dignified Living for Older Adults, we present four exciting articles contributed by scholars from Mexico and the UK. Using a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA protocol, Shoesmith, Charura, and Surr (2022) consolidated extant evidence on the effective components of visual arts that support older people with dementia. Their review reveals many positive outcomes for older people who have attended visual arts sessions. The benefits include but are not limited to improvements in cognition, communication, confidence, engagement, health, morale, quality of life, self-esteem, social connection, and wellbeing. Visual arts are well known for uncovering and exploring emotions, something desperately needed at least as an option for older people yearning to express emotion. Visual arts also bring pleasure, new knowledge, and new skills while facilitating self-expression. The review highlighted a profound observation by Walsh et al. (2011) that older people “seemed to be thirsting for contact” during visual arts sessions. More importantly, through this review, the authors discovered that the effectiveness of visual arts can be shaped by session content, participant choice, artistic ability, the role of the facilitator/therapist, group work, and setting. Specifically, the authors found one-hour sessions that are conducted weekly and that provide older people with decision-making opportunities such as the choice of art mediums to be highly encouraging. In addition, the authors observed that sessions that include both art viewing and art making together positively affect older people’s wellbeing. Noteworthily, visual arts sessions provide a natural setting for socialization, whereby participants talk with each other and compliment each other’s work. Also discovered was that visual arts experience by participants is not necessary whereas, and not surprising, skilled facilitation does make a positive difference when facilitators are skilled in both arts and serving older people with dementia. This work fits well with Lim’s (2022) theory of social influence as older people living with dementia are “thirsting for contact.” Thus, visual arts sessions can be considered in attempts to satisfy the need for social connectedness. ACTIVITIES, ADAPTATION & AGING 2022, VOL. 46, NO. 2, 91–95 https://doi.org/10.1080/01924788.2022.2070947
7 citations
TL;DR: A qualitative explorative study was set-up, involving six consenting members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ibadan branch whose age is above 55 years as mentioned in this paper .
Abstract: ABSTRACT There has been very little research and policy regarding the inclusion of older adults in new technological applications in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African region. The study examined the use of social media among older adults in Ibadan, South-West, Nigeria using a semi-structured interview. A qualitative explorative study was set-up, involving six consenting members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ibadan branch whose age is above 55 years. Purposive sampling technique was used to include the participants who have access to a social media-enabled phone. A semi-structured was conducted to obtain information about the social media usage among the older adults. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts. The mean age of the older adults is 58.5. Two themes emerged from the interview session: experience and barriers to social media use. Participants had an exciting experience using social media to maintain social connectedness and barriers associated with privacy, poor access to the internet, illiteracy, and frustration. The study concludes that social media use is essential to sustaining social connectedness among older adults. Desire to use social media among the older adults is embedded in their social, personal, and cognitive context. The study advocates for inclusive digital programming for older adults.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , an integrative review was conducted to provide a more in-depth understanding of how these concepts inter-relate and shape older adults' moving to new homes, and they found that older adults continued, adapted, and changed their leisure activities and used leisure to develop a sense of home and maintain identity.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Research and theory suggest that leisure, sense of home, and identity are all implicated in older adults moving to new residences. An integrative review was conducted to provide a more in-depth understanding of how these concepts inter-relate and shape older adults’ moving to new homes. Seventeen studies were included, and thematic analysis showed that older adults continued, adapted, and changed their leisure activities and used leisure to develop a sense of home and maintain identity. This review can inform practice and policy initiatives, and further research could enhance understanding of leisure’s role in older adults’ transition to new homes.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , a multi-factorial digital compensatory cognitive training (CCT) for older adults with everyday memory complaints is presented. But the authors focus on enhancing transfer of the learned strategies to everyday life.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Many older people experience everyday memory complaints which can be a precursor condition to mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Research has consistently shown that compensatory cognitive training (CCT) benefits cognition in older adults. Providing CCT in a computerized format makes it more accessible and reduces its costs. We studied a newly developed digital CCT for older adults with everyday memory complaints that is multi-factorial and based on empirically supported techniques to improve memory. 55 older adults with self-reported everyday memory complaints participated in a study with outcomes assessed at baseline and post-intervention. We found that participants in the experimental condition improved significantly on the main objective outcome measure assessing associative memory compared to participants in a waitlist control condition. Specifically, after correcting for learning effects, 28% of participants in the experimental condition showed a reliable improvement. No effects were found on other objective outcome measures, most notably those assessing transfer to novel tasks. Participants in the experimental condition scored higher on measures of memory satisfaction, use of internal memory strategies, and quality of life. These findings contribute to existing knowledge on CCT by providing partial evidence for the efficacy of a digital CCT for older adults with everyday memory complaints. We recommend the use of digital CCT for older adults who experience memory complaints in their everyday life, but who do not qualify for medical treatment. Particular attention needs to be given to enhancing transfer of the learned strategies to everyday life.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors represent the perspectives of community-dwelling people who are living with dementia and their family care-partners, who participated community-based, therapeutic choirs that were formed as part of the Remini-Sing project.
Abstract: ABSTRACT This paper seeks to represent the perspectives of community-dwelling people who are living with dementia and their family care-partners, who participated community-based, therapeutic choirs that were formed as part of the Remini-Sing project. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze data from interviews with fourteen participants (7 people living with dementia [4 women, mean age = 82] and 7 care-partners [5 women, mean age = 68]). Eight themes identified the perceived benefits of choir singing and elements of the choirs and research project more broadly that influenced participation. Findings support past research that suggests choir singing is an accessible and enjoyable activity that can support the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and their family care-partners. Challenges with recruitment and sustainability of programs post-research are highlighted.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined the differences of Body Mass Index (physical health indicator), perceived health, happiness, and depression (mental health indicators) according to the clusters of leisure participation patterns among older adults who were retired and living in the community.
Abstract: ABSTRACT To promote health and healthy aging, it is important to develop supportive environments and specific opportunities for meaningful and valuable social engagement. The current study examined the differences of Body Mass Index (physical health indicator), perceived health, happiness, and depression (mental health indicators) according to the clusters of leisure participation patterns among older adults who were retired and living in the community. A sample of 1,134 participants aged 60 years and older was extracted from the Alameda County Health and Ways of Living Study. The result of K-means cluster analysis revealed that there were three distinctive leisure participation patterns: the ardent achievers, the physical enthusiasts, and the easy contenders. The multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) showed that the ardent achievers had the highest perceived mental health and happiness scores and the lowest depressive symptoms scores. Physical enthusiasts demonstrated the highest scores on ‘working in the garden’ and the lowest Body Mass Index of the three groups, which is one of the important indicators for physical health. Activity professionals may encourage older adults living in the community to work in the garden or other moderate to rigorous physical exercise, which may contribute to increased physical and mental health of older adults. Further practical implications are discussed.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors developed a tool comprising 11 items, which was named the Sensory Preferences and Aversions questionnaire for the care of older adults with dementia in residential Environments (SPACE) tool.
Abstract: ABSTRACT People with changes in cognition and changes in sensory function often feel uncomfortable in hospital and residential care home environments. Understanding the person’s sensory preferences and aversions is important in providing high-quality care but current assessments have limitations. Our objective was to develop a tool to identify the sensory preferences and aversions of people experiencing cognitive changes while staying in hospital or residential care homes. The working group developed a tool comprising 11 items, which was named the “Sensory Preferences and Aversions questionnaire for the Care of older adults with dementia in residential Environments” (SPACE) tool. The tool was administered with 56 people with cognitive changes (mean age 78, mean MMSE score 16/30). Data elicited from the tool revealed the varied preferences of individuals, which demonstrates the importance of eliciting this information. For example, while 82% of participants liked listening to music, the remainder did not. Information elicited from the tool was useful in guiding care planning including identifying activities that may be of interest to the person. It was able to effectively elicit information about preferences, aversions, and strategies that could be applied when the person became distressed.
TL;DR: From six randomized trials, it was discovered that UHBE yielded favorable effects on frailty by improving strength, quality-of-life, quality of life, and flexibility, and physical function.
Abstract: ABSTRACT To summarize the literature investigating the efficacy of unsupervised home-based exercise (UHBE) in managing rural community-dwelling pre-frail and frail elders, we searched, appraised, and ranked eligible studies published until February 18, 2021 according to the level of evidence (LOE). From six randomized trials, we discovered that UHBE yielded favorable effects on frailty by improving strength (LOE II), quality-of-life (LOE II), and flexibility (LOE I–II). Furthermore, UHBE was generally non-inferior to supervised exercise, except in terms of strength (LOE II–III), balance (LOE IV), and physical function (LOE III–IV). As no trials were conducted in rural underdeveloped settings, future studies are warranted.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated how older adults experienced the lockdown period during the Covid-19 pandemic in three Roman Catholic parishes in Southern Germany and found that participants missed church services, but valued various alternative formats.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Attending church services is an important experience for many older adults. Social distancing measures during the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a temporary suspension of church services. During this lockdown period, churches provided a range of alternative service formats. This study investigates how older people experienced these. Telephone interviews were conducted with 12 regular churchgoers between the ages of 67 and 94 during the lockdown period in three Roman Catholic parishes in Southern Germany. Participants missed church services, but valued various alternative formats. The cemetery became a focal meeting point for some older parishioners. Flexibility in the organization of spiritual support was appreciated.
TL;DR: In this paper , interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore the perspectives of nine participants of a university run Aging Well Program (AWP) 12 months following its completion, identifying three key themes: using strategies to keep your mind alert; I now know what to do to maintain my physical wellbeing; and connecting with others.
Abstract: ABSTRACT A focus on healthy aging can enhance activity participation, and reduce the impact of chronic diseases and decline in function. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore the perspectives of nine participants of a university run Aging Well Program (AWP) 12 months following its completion. Analysis of the semi-structured interviews conducted, identified three key themes: 1) Using strategies to keep your mind alert; 2) I now know what to do to maintain my physical wellbeing; and 3) Connections with others. The findings indicated that the AWP had long-term positive cognitive, physical and social impacts, from the perspectives of the participants.
TL;DR: In this article , a higher-order confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test a multidimensional aging well model for a sample of 554 non-institutionalized individuals using primary sampling units (PSUs).
Abstract: ABSTRACT Despite the importance and prevalence in the use of the term “aging well,” there has been an absence of an empirically valid aging well model for conceptualization and measurement of the phenomenon. The purpose of the study was to conceptualize and test a model for aging well. A sample of 554 non-institutionalized individuals was taken using primary sampling units (PSUs), and a higher-order confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test a model for aging well. This study confirmed a five-factor structure of aging well, including (a) daily life activity, (b) social resources and supports, (c) mental efficacy, (d) physical health and functional status, and (e) material security. Although all five dimensions strongly contribute to the aging well construct, the statistical results have shown that Social Resources and Support (SRS) and Daily Life Activity are the most important in explaining aging well. Material Security is the weakest latent variable in the model. The study indicates the model for aging well is a single, holistic, and multidimensional framework with a strong theoretical and empirical base.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined the relationship between loneliness, voluntary/charity works, and quality of life among European older adults, and found that loneliness was significantly and negatively associated with quality-of-life over time.
Abstract: ABSTRACT Loneliness is a risk factor for poorer health and quality of life of older adults. To provide an insight into loneliness interventions aimed at populations aging, this study examined the relationships between loneliness, voluntary/charity works, and quality of life among European older adults. This study builds on secondary data analysis employing data drawn from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Waves 4 and 6; data collected in 2011 and 2015. A total sample of 32,839 aged 65+ who responded at both waves 4 and 6 were analyzed. Regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between study variables, in particular, mediating role of voluntary/charity works in the association between loneliness and quality of life cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Results revealed that loneliness was significantly and negatively associated with quality of life over time, and voluntary/charity works appeared to in part mediate the relationship between loneliness and quality of life. Study findings provide evidence for a need for incorporation of social and civic activities such as volunteering into loneliness interventions for older adults.
TL;DR: Puzzles are mental exercises that enhance cognitive function and are linked to positive aging as discussed by the authors , which is critical for older adults to be able to engage in activities of daily living (ADL).
Abstract: Puzzles are mental exercises that enhance cognitive function. Functional cognition is critical for older adults to be able to engage in activities of daily living (ADL) and is linked to positive aging. This paper reports participation by Hispanic older adults in puzzle working and explores the relationship between the reported need for assistance with ADL and puzzles participation. Survey findings from 156 older adults reveal that puzzle working not only provides an opportunity to exercise their mind to solve cognitive challenges, but also elicits emotional and social benefits. The reported need for assistance with ADL is not a statistically significant predictor of participation in puzzle working, indicating that regardless of the level of assistance senior adults need for ADL, they can participate in puzzle working.
TL;DR: HenPower as mentioned in this paper is a programme that enables older adults living with dementia in care homes to take part in hen-keeping and hen-related creative activities to improve mood and participation, improved social interaction, and enhanced living environment.
Abstract: ABSTRACT HenPower is a programme that enables older people who live with dementia in care homes to take part in hen-keeping and hen-related creative activities. It was introduced into UK care homes to address evidence suggesting older adults who live with dementia in care homes can experience diminished personal wellbeing. This study aimed to 1) assess the impact of HenPower on people who have dementia who are living in a care home and 2) explore care home staff views and experiences of the HenPower programme. A nested qualitative design was adopted, utilizing observation of 29 older people who live in a care home and 25 staff individual and small-group interviews. Five themes emerged: ongoing meaningful engagement with hens, self-expression through creative activities, improved mood and participation, improved social interaction, and enhanced living environment. HenPower offers potential wellbeing benefits to older people living in care homes, many of which echo with existing evidence on non-pharmacological approaches.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors evaluated the effectiveness of an 8-month online physical exercise on physical fitness and body composition in community-dwelling older adults and found that the online exercise did not improve physical fitness nor body composition.
Abstract: ABSTRACT The need to interrupt in-person physical exercise due to the COVID-19 pandemic required the design of alternatives. Thus, the aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-month online physical exercise on physical fitness and body composition in community-dwelling older adults. This is a non-randomized controlled trial comprising 62 older adults (74.59 ± 5.79 years, 59.7% women) distributed in an exercise group (EG) that executed an 8-month online physical exercise (three sessions/week, multicomponent regime), or control group (CG). Changes in groups over time were modeled using a linear mixed model. The EG did not improve physical fitness nor body composition. After adjustments for age, sex, and body fat, there was a minimal significant benefit for lower body strength favoring the EG [group*time interaction 1.55 (0.65); p = .020]. In conclusion, online physical exercise did not improve but maintained overall physical fitness. The in-person physical exercise for older adults must be re-opened as soon as this population is going to be protected from COVID-19.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined changes in social participation and physical activity during COVID-19 and perceptions of precautionary measures and online or outdoor classes in 155 older adults (M age = 70.50 ± 4.62 years).
Abstract: ABSTRACT COVID-19 disrupted older adults’ physical and social participation. We examined changes in social participation and physical activity during COVID-19 and perceptions of precautionary measures and online or outdoor classes in 155 older adults (M age = 70.50 ± 4.62 years). Patrons at Calgary recreation centers ≥ 65 years recruited via e-mail were surveyed between August-September 2020. Social participation (p <0.01) and resistance (p <0.01) and flexibility (p =0.03) physical activity declined. Mild physical activity increased (p =0.03). 33.57% attended online classes. Most precautionary measures were endorsed. Understanding behavior and receptivity to precautions helps providers adapt to COVID-19.
TL;DR: There was significant improvement in environments and policies supporting physical activity and some evidence suggesting they used new supplies to engage residents in physical activity following implementation of FFC-AL-EIT-D during the pandemic.
Abstract: ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to test the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of implementation of Function Focused Care for Assisted Living Using the Evidence Integration Triangle in Assisted Living Communities with Residents with Dementia (FFC-AL-EIT-D) during the pandemic. This was a single group pre-post study design including 51 communities in a single state. The communities ranged in size from 8 to 50 residents with a mean of 13 (SD = 7). The majority (99%) were for profit. Following implementation of FFC-AL-EIT-D there was significant improvement in environments and policies supporting physical activity and some evidence suggesting they used new supplies to engage residents in physical activity. There was no change in falls, emergency room, hospital, or nursing home transfers.
TL;DR: In this article , a cross-sectional survey was aimed to explore the features of later life security and their related factors among Thais using the WHO Active Aging Framework, and the results showed that all the three later life preparedness variables were rated at medium levels; and setting aside funds for later life and managing inheritance were reported more frequently than having made funeral arrangements.
Abstract: This cross-sectional survey was aimed to explore the features of later life security and their related factors among Thais using the WHO Active Aging Framework. Data were collected from 1,129 adults aged 18–59 years in Nakhon Nayok, Thailand using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of three sections measuring demographic data, factors related to the active aging concept, and preparedness for later life. Logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the associated factors. The results showed that all the three later life preparedness variables were rated at medium levels; and setting aside funds for later life and managing inheritance were reported more frequently than having made funeral arrangements. Preparation for later life was strongly associated with community participation (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% CI 3.1–6.8) and financial security preparation (odds ratio,3.5; 95% CI 2.3–5.2). Further research is needed to promote later life preparation during the new normal period when community engagement and financial planning are more difficult and also to understand the features of later life preparation among aging population because lives of older persons are also more vulnerable and uncertain due to the pandemic.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors describe older adults' perceptions of loneliness, quality of life and connection to their community center during physical distancing to inform classes and events during COVID-19.
Abstract: ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to describe older adults’ perceptions of loneliness, quality of life and connection to their community center during physical distancing to inform classes and events during COVID-19. A descriptive, mixed methods study using online and telephone surveys was conducted with 265 older adults in a major Canadian city. Older adults reported a lower quality of life and community connection and a greater sense of loneliness, however resilience emerged as a strong theme. Participants identified regular physical exercise, connection to others through technology and a philosophical approach to events and life as ways of coping with physical distancing. Community centers need to actively continue to innovate with technology, classes and events and provide regular, supportive communication with members during COVID-19 and beyond.
TL;DR: In this article , a qualitative research method DIPEx was applied using thematic analysis to better understand the motivation to exercise in group of independently living active older adults and found that more frequent exercise was facilitated by more intrinsic types of motivation while the less frequent exercising groups valued more the social and health impact of exercise.
Abstract: Regular physical activity in older age contributes to a general feeling of well-being and prevention of many chronic diseases. The present study aims to better understand the motivation to exercise in group of independently living active older adults. A qualitative research method DIPEx was applied using thematic analysis. The analyzed 34 interviews defined five general themes: (a) Exercise as an expression of the will to live: An attempt to slow down and reverse the aging process; (b) Exercise as a way to get closer to people; (c) Exercise as a part of identity; (d) Exercise aiming to preserve or improve health; (e) Exercise for the sheer joy of the physical activity. Another finding is that more frequent exercise was facilitated by more intrinsic types of motivation while the less frequent exercising groups valued more the social and health impact of exercise.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated the effect of cooking groups on cognitive, emotional, psychomotor, and interpersonal performance in older adults, and found that the cooking groups have improved cooperative capacity through engaging the older adults' functional abilities.
Abstract: Occupational therapists utilize cooking groups to optimize intrinsic capacity and functional ability, but there is a lack of scientific evaluation. This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of a cooking group on cognitive, emotional, psychomotor, and interpersonal performance in older adults. Nineteen participants with chronic conditions were recruited to attend ten consecutive cooking sessions. Large Allen Cognitive Level Screen-5 (LACLS-5), Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS-15), psychomotor speed test and interpersonal communication observation were used. The results showed significant improvement in the study outcomes. Therefore, the cooking groups have improved cooperative capacity through engaging the older adults’ functional abilities.
TL;DR: In this article , a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 120 healthy older adults (mean age 69.0 years; 67.5% female), who indicated what activities and how often they undertook and filled in the short version of the WHO Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-Bthis article), which measured their life satisfaction in four domains.
Abstract: Physical experience has a significant effect on older adults, especially on enhancing psychological well-being. A cross-sectional survey were conducted with 120 healthy older adults (mean age 69.0 years; 67.5% female), who indicated what activities and how often they undertook and filled in the short version of WHO Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF), which measured their life satisfaction in four domains. The results show that both the frequency and the intensity of physical activities improve life satisfaction. Older adults with low activity levels rarely choose cognitive or physically demanding activities over less demanding activities. The most active older adults prefer frequent but light physical activity, social interactions and solitary entertainment.