Explore the vast range of titles available.

Background The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) seeks to create multisectoral changes that align healthy ageing with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given that the SDGs have completed their first five years, the objective of this scoping review was to summarise any efforts launched to directly address the SDGs in older adults in community settings prior to the Decade . This will contribute to providing a baseline against which to track progress and identify gaps. Methods Following Cochrane guidelines for scoping reviews, searches were conducted in three electronic databases, five grey-literature websites, and one search engine between April to May 2021; and limited to entries from 2016 to 2020. Abstracts and full texts were double-screened; references of included papers were searched to identify additional candidate publications; and data were extracted independently by two authors, using an adaptation of existing frameworks. Quality assessment was not conducted. Results In total, we identified 617 peer-review papers, of which only two were included in the review. Grey literature searches generated 31 results, from which ten were included. Overall, the literature was sparse and heterogeneous, consisting of five reports, three policy documents, two non-systematic reviews, one city plan, and one policy appraisal. Initiatives targeting older adults were mentioned under 12 different SDGs, with SDG 1 ( No Poverty ), SDG 3 ( Good Health and Wellbeing ), SDG 10 ( Reduced Inequalities ), and SDG 11 ( Sustainable Cities and Communities ) being the most commonly discussed. Also, SDG-based efforts frequently overlapped or aligned to the eight domains of age-friendly environments outlined in the World Health Organisation framework. Conclusion The review has documented the extent, range, and nature of available research and provided an initial evidence backdrop for future research and policy development.

Previous studies have been unable to characterise the association between physical activity and obesity, possibly because most relied on inaccurate measures of physical activity and obesity. We carried out a cross sectional analysis on 5,500 12-year-old children enrolled in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Total physical activity and minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using the Actigraph accelerometer. Fat mass and obesity (defined as the top decile of fat mass) were measured using the Lunar Prodigy dual x-ray emission absorptiometry scanner. We found strong negative associations between MVPA and fat mass that were unaltered after adjustment for total physical activity. We found a strong negative dose-response association between MVPA and obesity. The odds ratio for obesity in adjusted models between top and the bottom quintiles of minutes of MVPA was 0.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.13, p-value for trend <0.0001) in boys and 0.36 (95% CI 0.17-0.74, p-value for trend = 0.006) in girls. We demonstrated a strong graded inverse association between physical activity and obesity that was stronger in boys. Our data suggest that higher intensity physical activity may be more important than total activity.

Objective To examine factors in early life (up to age 5 years) that are associated with objectively measured physical activity in 11-12 year olds.Design Prospective cohort study.Setting Avon longitudinal study of parents and children, United Kingdom. Participants Children aged 11-12 years from the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children.Main outcome measure Physical activity levels in counts per minute (cpm) and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity for seven days measured with a uniaxial actigraph accelerometer.Results Valid actigraph data, defined as at least three days of physical activity for at least 10 hours a day, were collected from 5451 children. Several factors were associated with physical activity at ages 11-12 years. Regression coefficients are compared with the baseline of “none” for categorical variables: maternal brisk walking during pregnancy (regression coefficient 5.0, 95% confidence interval −8.5 to 18.5; cpm for <1 h/wk and ≥2 h/wk of physical activity 17.7, 5.3 to 30.1), maternal swimming during pregnancy (21.5, 10.9 to 32.1 and cpm for <1 h/wk and ≥2 h/wk of physical activity 24.2, 7.8 to 40.7), parents’ physical activity when the child was aged 21 months (28.5, 15.2 to 41.8 and cpm of physical activity for either parent active and both parents active 33.5, 17.8 to 49.3), and parity assessed during pregnancy (2.9, −7.6 to 13.4 and cpm of physical activity for 1 and ≥2 parity 21.2, 7.1 to 35.3).Conclusions Few factors in early life predicted later physical activity in 11-12 year olds. Parents’ physical activity during pregnancy and early in the child’s life showed a modest association with physical activity of the child at age 11-12 years, suggesting that active parents tend to raise active children. Helping parents to increase their physical activity therefore may promote children’s activity.

Physical inactivity during childhood and adolescence is a serious health concern. There are few studies of the activity undertaken by adolescents when walking with the family dog, and the effect of this on objectively measured physical activity levels. Objective measures of physical activity using accelerometers were recorded at age 11-12, 13-14, and 15-16 years in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) (ALSPAC, UK) birth cohort during the 2000s. Family pet ownership was collected retrospectively using a questionnaire at age 18 years, for the ages 7, 11, 13, and 15 years. In addition, approximate frequency per week of walks undertaken with dogs were also reported. Multilevel, multivariable modeling was used to investigate the relationship between dog ownership and dog walking status, and physical activity outcomes. There were a total of 4,373 complete data observations for use in 2,055 children. Reported participation in dog walking tended to increase during adolescence, as did dog ownership. The majority of who own dogs reported walking them either 2-6 times/week (range 39-46%) or never (range 27-37%). A small minority (7-8%) reported walking their dog every day. Most reported never walking any other dog either (94-87%). We found no evidence for an association between dog ownership or reported dog walking, and objectively measured physical activity (counts per minute,  = 0.3, or minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity,  = 0.7) during adolescence. This study provides no evidence to support a relationship between adolescent dog ownership and physical activity, and demonstrates the importance of using objective activity measures and considering dog walking rather than just dog ownership.

BackgroundIn the context of a social housing crisis, the UK must meet the housing needs of an ageing population. Rehousing schemes run by social housing providers are important means to support older (aged 55+) social housing tenants to move to appropriate homes. A better understanding of how well these schemes work is needed. This paper is based on a study (01/2020–12/2021) of the health-related processes and outcomes linked to the rehousing of older social housing tenants in Hackney/London through four local authority-supported schemes: Downsizing; Regeneration; Housing Moves; Seaside & Country Homes.MethodsA mixed methods design entailed a scoping review, based on a search of scientific databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsychINFO) and the grey literature, and a narrative synthesis of results. Interviews with practice-based stakeholders across sectors (n=11) were conducted. A survey of older social housing tenants who have moved through a rehousing scheme (n=766), analysed in Excel, generated descriptive statistics and themes for qualitative exploration. A Photovoice component with 16 survey participants, currently underway, has been designed to capture the participants’ rehousing experience and its effect on their lives. It entails interviews and focus groups. Interviews and a focus group are being conducted with older social housing tenants who were interested in being rehoused, but opted against moving (‘non-movers’; n=5). All qualitative data are analysed thematically in NVivo12. All methods have been adjusted to comply with Covid-19 rules.ResultsThe review yielded three peer-reviewed papers and 13 reports, thus revealing a gap in knowledge around the health-related effects of rehousing older social housing tenants. Interviews with practice-based stakeholders highlighted promising approaches in the rehousing schemes, such as highly personalised support, and challenges, including a lack of suitable homes for tenants to move into. The survey yielded 62 valid responses (8.1%). As well as helpful elements (e.g. being given choices) and challenges (e.g. poor communication) in the rehousing process, it identified welcome (e.g. a warmer home) and unwelcome (e.g. loneliness) health and wellbeing outcomes. The findings will be broken down by rehousing scheme. They will be supplemented by detailed insights from the Photovoice components and data collection with non-movers.ConclusionThe study was designed to generate insights that can inform efforts by Hackney Council and other social housing providers to improve rehousing schemes for older tenants and optimise their health-related effects. Channels through which findings will be shared with decision makers and the public include a national workshop and a photo exhibition.

In the context of a social housing crisis, partly caused by insufficient affordable homes, the UK must meet the housing needs of an ageing population. Rehousing schemes run by social housing providers are an important means to support older (>55 years) tenants to move to appropriate homes. Hackney Council (London, UK) runs or supports many of these schemes. This study aims to assess how well the schemes are working by exploring the processes involved and their health-related outcomes. In this mixed-methods study, we interviewed practice-based stakeholders who work across four rehousing schemes in Hackney. A postal survey was delivered to older social housing tenants who had moved through one of the schemes. Responses to the survey questions were analysed in Excel. A photovoice component (ie, photographs taken by participants that were discussed in interviews and focus groups) of survey respondents captured their experiences of being rehoused and its health-related effects. Written consent was obtained from all participants. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the University of Cambridge School of the Humanities and Social Sciences. Since June 4, 2020, we interviewed 14 practice-based stakeholders and surveyed 798 older tenants. We had 75 (9·4%) valid responses, of which 31 respondents were women, 10 were men, and two preferred not to say (there was missing data for 32 respondents). 16 survey respondents then participated in the photovoice group. Interviews with practice-based stakeholders were analysed using NVivo (version 12) and highlighted the importance of providing personalised support to tenants. Several outcomes were reported by stakeholders, including increased social connectedness, and improved tenant wellbeing. Challenges included there being insufficient suitable homes for tenants to move into, and problems posed by COVID-19. The survey identified positive elements (eg, being given choices) and challenges (eg, poor communication) in the rehousing process. It also identified beneficial outcomes (eg, having a warmer home without stairs) and unwelcome outcomes (eg, increased loneliness). The photovoice component and data collection with non-movers provided detailed additional insights, some captured in visual material (eg, one tenant described the community activism that had led to the restoration of an old football pitch on the site). The findings will inform efforts by social housing providers to optimise the rehousing experiences of older social housing tenants and maximise health-related outcomes. This will be achieved through extensive engagement with practice-based stakeholders, including through an end-of-project photovoice exhibition and a national stakeholder workshop. NIHR School for Public Health Research.

Objective: To measure the levels and patterns of physical activity, using accelerometers, of 11-year-old children participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Setting: ALSPAC is a birth cohort study located in the former county of Avon, in the southwest of England. This study used data collected when the children were 11 years old. Participants: 5595 children (2662 boys, 2933 girls). The children are the offspring of women recruited to a birth cohort study during 1991–2. The median age (95% CI) of the children is now 11.8 (11.6 to 11.9) years. Methods: Physical activity was measured over a maximum of 7 consecutive days using the MTI Actigraph accelerometer. Main outcome measures: Level and pattern of physical activity. Results: The median physical activity level was 580 counts/min. Boys were more active than girls (median (IQR) 644 (528–772) counts/min vs 529 (444–638) counts/min, respectively). Only 2.5% (95% CI 2.1% to 2.9%) of children (boys 5.1% (95% CI 4.3% to 6.0%), girls 0.4% (95% CI 0.2% to 0.7%) met current internationally recognised recommendations for physical activity. Children were most active in summer and least active in winter (difference = 108 counts/min). Both the mother and partner’s education level were inversely associated with activity level (p for trend <0.001 (both mother and partner)). The association was lost for mother’s education (p for trend = 0.07) and attenuated for partner’s education (p for trend = 0.02), after adjustment for age, sex, season, maternal age and social class. Conclusions: A large majority of children are insufficiently active, according to current recommended levels for health.

Recent years have seen a proliferation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the age-friendliness of urban settings. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) global Age-Friendly Cities (AFC) programme has been central to these. Cities seeking to become more age-friendly need reliable ways of assessing their efforts. This article describes an evidence-based evaluation tool for age-friendly initiatives whose development was informed by fieldwork in Liverpool/UK. The tool complements existing assessment frameworks, including those provided by WHO, by paying particular attention to the structures and processes underlying age-friendly initiatives. It reflects the complexity of age-friendliness by reconciling a focus on breadth with detail and depth, and it allows for a highly accessible visual presentation of findings. Using selected examples from Liverpool, the article illustrates how the evaluation tool can be applied to guide policy and practice with an age-friendly focus in different urban contexts. Pilot testing in further settings is underway to refine the tool as a practical method for evaluation and for supporting city-level decision making.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report how an evaluation tool originally developed for Age-Friendly Cities was pilot-tested in the context of the Dementia Friendly Community (DFC) initiative of the city of Sheffield/UK. It presents finding and outputs on which other communities with dementia friendly agendas can draw. Design/methodology/approach The original evaluation tool was adapted to a focus on dementia friendliness. Data collection involved scoping conversations, documentary analysis, interviews and group discussions. Following evidence appraisal, Sheffield’s approach to dementia friendliness was assessed. A local steering group was central to the study. Findings The evidence indicates areas of strength in Sheffield’s approach to dementia friendliness: involvement of older people; service provision; collaboration; monitoring and evaluation. Scope for improvement was identified around resource allocation, and use of existing guidance on dementia friendliness. Recommendations for policy and practice include enhancing pooling of resources, more detailed recording of resources allocated to dementia-related activity, and collection of evidence on how people affected by dementia have shaped the city’s DFC initiative. Key research outputs are an adaptable logic model and an emerging evaluation framework for DFCs. Research limitations/implications The study was a short pilot with limited resources. Its findings and outputs must be considered preliminary. Originality/value The findings and outputs provide a basis for further research. The study has suggested key components of an evaluation framework for DFCs. It is informing ongoing work to develop such a framework.

Objective To investigate associations between physical activity at age 12 and subsequent adiposity at age 14. Design Prospective birth cohort study with data collected between 2003 and 2007.Setting Original recruitment in 1991-2 of 14 541 pregnant women living in the former County of Avon (United Kingdom).Participants At age 12, 11 952 children were invited to attend the research clinic. Of these, 7159 attended, and 4150 (1964 boys, 2186 girls) provided sufficient data on exposure, outcome, and confounding variables.Main outcome measure Fat mass at age 14, measured by dual emission x ray absorptiometry, associated with physical activity at age 12, measured by accelerometry.Results Prospective associations of fat mass at age 14 (outcome) with physical activity at age 12 (exposure) were strong for both total activity (accelerometer counts/min) and for daily amount of moderate-vigorous physical activity (min/day). An extra 15 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity per day at age 12 was associated with lower fat mass at age 14 in boys (by 11.9% (95% confidence interval 9.5% to 14.3%)) and girls (by 9.8% (6.7% to 12.8%)). The proportion of physical activity due to moderate-vigorous physical activity was between 20% and 30% in boys and girls at the two ages.Conclusions Higher levels of physical activity, in particular activity of moderate to higher intensities, are prospectively associated with lower levels of fat mass in early adolescence. Interventions to raise levels of physical activity in children are likely to be important in the fight against obesity.