Äldres perspektiv på stillasittande : En kvalitativ intervjustudie bland äldre inom särskilt boende

Sammanfattning: Abstract Background: The population has become more sedentary. Studies among the elderly in care homes have a sedentary lifestyle and move too little. Sedentary behavior is associated with unhealthy and a risk factor for disease and mortality. There is not enough knowledge and understanding of sedentary behavior. Aim: To highlight the elderly’s experience of sedentary, in care homes. Methods: A qualitative method was used. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted by one interviewer. The study participants consisted with men and women over the age of 85. Four care homes in Central Sweden have participated. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis, yielding two themes and five categories. Results: Experience of sedentary was positive related to enjoyment and balance between rest and activity. Experience of sedentary was negative related to not being busy and consequences of sedentary lifestyle and aging. Maintaining functional ability and a sense of meaning, using strategies and adapting to sedentary lifestyle, access to social interaction and health-promoting environment influenced the experience of sedentary.  Conclusions: Sedentary behavior was naturally related to age and the experience of sedentary varied. It is necessary to account for differences in values and expectations towards sedentary behavior. The result may contribute with increased understanding and knowledge of the elderly’s experience of sedentary during the time in care homes. It would be interesting to follow how the experience of sedentary changes before and after moving into care homes. The result can contribute to future research by highlighting the positive health effects of sedentary behavior even for those who cannot be physically active.