Background : This study examined the effectiveness of a walking football program on physical fitness, football skills, and psychological outcomes among adults aged 50+ in Hong Kong. Method : A total of 521 older adults (40% female) participated in the walking football program. Participants were required to attend an 8-week beginner class upon enrollment, with the option to progress to an advanced class in a subsequent 8-week stage. Three groups were identified: (a) participants who only engaged in the 8-week beginner class (Pre-8B-Post), (b) participants who only engaged in the 8-week advanced class (Pre-8A-Post), and (c) participants who engaged in both the beginner and advanced classes (Pre-8B-8A-Post). Physical fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test, and football skills were measured using a short passing test. Psychological outcomes, including symptoms of depression, resilience, mindfulness, social networks, exercise self-efficacy, and general health, were evaluated using validated questionnaires. In addition, 11 focus groups (five to six participants each) were conducted using a semistructured interview guide based on the RE-AIM framework to explore participants’ qualitative experiences and benefits. Results : Participants in advanced or combined beginner and advanced classes demonstrated greater improvements in visceral fat, arm curl, and the 8-ft up-and-go test compared with participants in beginner-only classes. Combined-class participants also showed significant gains in mindfulness and social networks, whereas single-class participants reported greater improvements in resilience, exercise self-efficacy, and general health. Conclusion : Qualitative findings highlighted benefits in physical and mental health, social connections, and physical literacy. Significance : This study demonstrates that walking football is an effective, inclusive, and sustainable program for promoting physical, psychological, and social well-being among older adults.

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the effects of multicomponent training (MCT) on functional fitness in older adults. Primary sources were sourced from four databases: Scopus, PubMed, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The search period spanned from the inception of these databases up to February 10, 2025. Standardized mean differences, weighted mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using either random or fixed-effect models for the outcomes. After the screening process, a total of 20 studies comprising 1,217 participants were included in the systematic review. The results of the meta-analysis showed that MCT improved Short Physical Performance Battery test (1.20[95% CI: 0.98-1.42], p = .001), arm curl (0.89[95% CI: 0.51-1.24], p = .001), 30-s chair stand (1.28[95% CI: 0.81-1.74], p = .001), chair sit-and-reach (0.62[95% CI: 0.38-0.87], p = .001), back scratch (0.44[95% CI: 0.25-0.63], p = .001), timed up and go (0.80[95% CI: 0.38-1.22], p = .001), 6-min walk (1.24[95% CI: 0.62-1.86], p = .001), and 2-min step (0.52[95% CI: 0.21-0.84], p = .001). Additionally, the results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that there was a significant difference (0.35[95% CI: 0.25-0.46], p = .001) between MCT and conventional training(CT) on functional fitness in older adults, favoring MCT. The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that MCT significantly and positively improved functional fitness in older adults; also, the results of current meta-analysis showed that MCT has a significantly better effect on the functional fitness in older adults than CT.

This study aims to evaluate the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ; 10 items) for assessing the quality of daily living activities among older adults in Iran. A total of 680 participants completed the Persian version of FAQ. We used the Rasch partial credit model, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and receiver operating characteristic analysis to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FAQ among Iranian older adults. The findings from exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory analysis supported the usefulness of the Persian version of the FAQ to be used in Iran. The one-factor model of the FAQ exhibited strong internal consistency, as evidenced by McDonald's omega (≥0.75), Factor Determinacy Index (≥0.8), and Overall Reliability of Fully-Informative prior Oblique Nonequivalent Anchor Parameter scores index (≥0.8). In addition, we observed measurement invariance and consistent response patterns for all items in a logical sequence, indicating the good internal consistency of the FAQ relevance. Persian version of FAQ-10 items is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring daily living activities among Iranian older adults. Significance/Implications: The FAQ will be a practical tool for measuring activities of daily living in community-based settings as part of comprehensive geriatric assessment in older adults.

This systematic review aims to identify the effectiveness of digital health applications (apps) to increase physical activity (PA) or prevent malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults. Searches were conducted in June 2023 across seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica database, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and grey literature were searched via google scholar. Data from studies that met the inclusion criteria were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Meta-analyses were undertaken where appropriate using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model (Stata version 16.1), or data were described narratively. Twenty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria, although 23 of these had low or unclear risk of bias. Twelve studies considered PA outcomes only, two studies considered nutritional outcomes only, and three studies considered both PA and nutritional components. A meta-analysis comprising six studies (818 participants) showed that those using a digital health app had a higher step count compared with participants in the control group (mean difference = 799, 95% CI [48.76, 1550.08]). Studies looking at nutritional outcomes aimed to increase protein intake or adherence to dietary patterns with mixed findings. Digital health apps have the potential to increase PA in community-dwelling older adults. Digital health app interventions that aim to reduce the risk of malnutrition in older adults is a relatively unexplored area with mixed findings, so more high-quality studies should be prioritized.

Sedentary behavior is highly prevalent in older adults transitioning to retirement. Sedentary time is all of the time spent in sedentary behavior, and prolonged sedentary time is associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions among older adults transitioning from working life to retirement regarding self-management strategies for reducing sedentary time and adhering to the reduced sedentary time. Twenty-eight older adults, age 60-75years, participated in one of four focus group interviews. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The analysis resulted in the theme "It has to be my way," and the three categories "Activities scattered with joyfulness," "Support for changes in everyday life," and "Health affects willingness and ability, and is affected by adherence." Interpreted from the perspective of self-determination theory, self-management strategies for reducing sedentary time should be adaptable as every individual is unique, indicating a need for autonomy. Sedentary time was said to be reduced by activities that evoked joyfulness, and joyfulness was considered to increase adherence. Support for changes to one's everyday life was considered necessary. The support that was mentioned primarily involved targeting cognitive determinants such as self-efficacy and attitudes. This new knowledge can be included when designing self-management interventions; however, more research is needed in order to evaluate whether self-management strategies targeting autonomous motivation and affective determinants, such as affective judgment and cognitive determinants, can reduce sedentary time in those who are in the transition to retirement.

Problem, Research Strategy, and Findings: Low physical activity (PA) and Type 2 diabetes are associated with cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease, but the evidence is inconsistent and particularly limited by ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of PA and Type 2 diabetes with cognition in Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites. The study was a cross-sectional analysis of the Health and Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities (n = 1,982-2,000 after removing outliers). Predictors included Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Episodic memory was assessed by Weschler Memory Scale-Third Edition Logical Memory and Spanish-English Verbal Learning Test, executive function by Weschler Memory Scale-Third Edition Digit Span and Digit Symbol Substitution Test, verbal fluency by FAS and animal naming,and global cognition by the Mini-Mental State Examination. Results show that aerobic PA and HbA1c were not associated with domain-specific, or global cognition, but strength/flexibility PA was associated with FAS (b = 0.404, 95% CI [0.023, 0.761]). Higher aerobic PA was associated with greater verbal fluency for Mexican Americans (b = 0.294, 95% CI [0.96, 0.497]) only. HbA1c was negatively associated with Mini-Mental State Examination (b = 0.838, 95% CI [0.008, 1.656]). For low HbA1c, the association between aerobic PA and Digit Symbol Substitution Test was significant for non-Hispanic Whites (b = 0.838, 95% CI [0.008, 1.656]) in comparison to Mexican Americans. Takeaway for Practice: The relationships between PA, Type 2 diabetes, and cognition vary by cognitive domains and ethnicity. Increasing aerobic activities may be particularly important for Mexican Americans who have elevated HbA1c to potentially improve fluency or executive function.

Social engagement may help preserve functional fitness (FF) throughout aging, but comparative studies are scarce. We compared FF in older women classified as socially active (SAC) versus exercise-trained (EXE) and insufficiently active (SED). Participants in SAC engaged in social activities requiring physical effort 3+ days/week (n = 52; 69 ± 1years); EXE performed physical training 3+ days/week for at least 3months (n = 70; 68 ± 1years); and SED comprised institutionalized women, sedentary for 7-8hr/day (n = 43; 78 ± 2years). FF tests included handgrip, sit-to-stand, timed-up-and-go, habitual and maximum walking speed, static and dynamic balance. SAC and EXE performed light-to-moderate physical activity +150min/week, while SED spent 10-12hr/day sitting or in bed. FF performance was 10%-50% lower in SED versus SAC and EXE (p < .05). Sit-to-stand failure rates were 14% in SED, 5% in SAC, and 3% in EXE. Timed-up-and-go test and maximum walking speed indicative of "high disability risk" were more predominant (p < .05) in SED (79% and 43%) versus SAC (42% and 4%), and EXE (21% and 0%). Only 5% of SED completed static balance versus 73% of SAC and 70% of EXE. Dynamic balance deficits were severe in 95% of SED versus 21% of SAC and 17% of EXE. Older women with high social involvement had FF comparable to those engaged in exercise training, and both outperformed insufficiently active counterparts. Social activities requiring a moderate level of physical effort seem to preserve the FF of older women, which should be considered within interventions to improve FF throughout aging.

This study evaluated the effects of chair-based exercises (CBEs) on pain, function, balance, quality of life, and exercise perception in inactive older adults with knee osteoarthritis and explored social policy implications. A single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, included 40 participants (≥65years, Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 2-3 knee osteoarthritis, and no regular exercise in the last 3months). The intervention group (IG; n = 20) performed CBE twice weekly for 8weeks, while the control group (n = 20) maintained usual activities. Outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (pain, stiffness, and function), Timed Up-and-Go test (balance/mobility), Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale, and Nottingham Health Profile. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance to compare postintervention outcomes while controlling for baseline scores, and qualitative comparative analysis explored factors affecting quality of life. Analysis of covariance revealed that the IG demonstrated statistically significant and clinically substantial improvements in pain, stiffness, and function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis), as well as dynamic balance and mobility (Timed Up and Go), with large treatment effects observed across all measures compared with the control group. Perceived exercise benefits increased, and barriers decreased in the IG. Nottingham Health Profile scores also improved significantly in the IG. Qualitative comparative analysis indicated that quality-of-life improvements resulted from pain reduction, functional gains, and enhanced exercise perception. This study provides robust evidence that an 8-week CBE program significantly improves pain, function, balance, and quality of life in older adults with knee osteoarthritis while enhancing exercise motivation. As a cost-effective and safe intervention, CBE can support active aging, reduce health care costs, and enhance older adults' social participation. Integrating CBE into public health policies and community programs may promote well-being and independence.