Addressing Sedentary Behaviour in Older People

That the Parliament notes the findings of the Medical Research Council-funded study led by Glasgow Caledonian University, Seniors - Understanding Sedentary Patterns; welcomes the information and awareness-raising that it offers; further notes with concern evidence of the potential detrimental effects on the health of older people of prolonged sitting; recognises that sedentary behaviour is a pattern of behaviour distinct from inactivity and understands that its effects on health are noticeable even if people meet physical activity recommendations, to the extent that older adults who are sedentary have a 42% increased risk of all-cause mortality and those who are both sedentary and physically inactive, a 127% increased risk; further understands that sedentary behaviour has been linked to frailty and chronic health problems and is also likely to affect function, quality of life and social inclusion; supports the 2011 recommendation by the Chief Medical Officer that all older adults should minimise the amount of time being sedentary for extended periods; encourages professionals in health and social care settings, given reports that one week of bed rest can lead to a reduction in strength of some 20%, to question whether they may be failing to sufficiently encourage and support adequate activity and thus allowing the deconditioning of already frail patients, and welcomes practical advice to older adults on breaking up periods of prolonged sitting, standing upright and moving at intervals, and building into the daily routine opportunities for appropriate activity.