Karen L Fingerman1, Yijung K Kim1, Yee To Ng1, Shiyang Zhang1, Meng Huo2, Kira S Birditt3. 1. Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA. 2. Department of Human Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, USA. 3. Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Television viewing is the most common leisure activity in late life and may ease loneliness but encourage sedentary behavior. These associations may be particularly evident among older adults who live alone and who may lack other forms of companionship throughout the day. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Adults aged 65+ (N = 257) participated, of whom 34% lived alone. Participants completed an initial interview followed by a 5- to 6-day data collection involving multimethods: (a) Electronically Activated Recorders (30 s every 7 min) provided audio recordings of television viewing, (b) Actical accelerometers objectively measured physical activity, and (c) ecological momentary assessments every 3 hr assessed social interactions. RESULTS: On average, older adults spent approximately 37% of their waking time (6.4 hr a day) watching television. Multilevel models revealed that television viewing occurred when participants were alone or with a spouse and was associated with a greater proportion of time sedentary, lower activity, and higher ratings of loneliness compared to when not watching television. Older adults who lived alone reported greater loneliness during 3-hr intervals when viewing television, but older adults who lived with others spent a greater proportion of time sedentary when viewing television. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings are discussed with regard to different rationales and ways of watching television-as compensation for social isolation or as a passive leisure activity with a social partner. We discuss ideas for research on additional aspects of television viewing and screen time in late life.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Television viewing is the most common leisure activity in late life and may ease loneliness but encourage sedentary behavior. These associations may be particularly evident among older adults who live alone and who may lack other forms of companionship throughout the day. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Adults aged 65+ (N = 257) participated, of whom 34% lived alone. Participants completed an initial interview followed by a 5- to 6-day data collection involving multimethods: (a) Electronically Activated Recorders (30 s every 7 min) provided audio recordings of television viewing, (b) Actical accelerometers objectively measured physical activity, and (c) ecological momentary assessments every 3 hr assessed social interactions. RESULTS: On average, older adults spent approximately 37% of their waking time (6.4 hr a day) watching television. Multilevel models revealed that television viewing occurred when participants were alone or with a spouse and was associated with a greater proportion of time sedentary, lower activity, and higher ratings of loneliness compared to when not watching television. Older adults who lived alone reported greater loneliness during 3-hr intervals when viewing television, but older adults who lived with others spent a greater proportion of time sedentary when viewing television. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Findings are discussed with regard to different rationales and ways of watching television-as compensation for social isolation or as a passive leisure activity with a social partner. We discuss ideas for research on additional aspects of television viewing and screen time in late life.
Authors: Genevieve N Healy; Charles E Matthews; David W Dunstan; Elisabeth A H Winkler; Neville Owen Journal: Eur Heart J Date: 2011-01-11 Impact factor: 29.983
Authors: Benjamin Gardner; Steve Iliffe; Kenneth R Fox; Barbara J Jefferis; Mark Hamer Journal: Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act Date: 2014-08-15 Impact factor: 6.457
Authors: Ruixue Zhaoyang; Karra D Harrington; Stacey B Scott; Jennifer E Graham-Engeland; Martin J Sliwinski Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2022-10-06 Impact factor: 4.942
Authors: Chun Yang; Daniel W L Lai; Yi Sun; Chun-Yin Ma; Anson Kai Chun Chau Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-23 Impact factor: 4.614