Older adults needed for research on sedentary behaviour

17 June 2016

Older people are needed for new University of Manchester research on ways of reducing prolonged periods of low energy activities undertaken whilst sitting or lying down (sedentary behaviours).

Psychology PhD student Laura McGowan, supervised by Professor David French and Dr Rachael Powell, is recruiting 25 adult volunteers aged 65 years and above to take part in interviews about sedentary behaviour in older adults.

Sedentary behaviour refers to activities involving sitting or lying down that require very little energy, such as sitting reading a book or watching TV. Many older adults have long periods of being sedentary and research has shown that people who are more sedentary have more health problems.

Researchers are looking at why older adults choose to engage in sedentary activities for long periods of the day, and possible ways of reducing or breaking up such activities. By listening to older adults’ views and opinions about what might help this age group to become less sedentary, these interviews will help researchers to design an intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour that is as acceptable as possible for older adults.

You can take part in this interview study if you are aged 65 years or older and living within Greater Manchester. The interviews will typically last between 45 and 60 minutes and can take place at a location of your convenience (e.g. your own home, or at the University with cost of transport covered).

If you are interested in taking part or would like to find out more information, please contact Laura McGowan:

  • Email: laura.mcgowan@manchester.ac.uk
  • Tel: 07795297568 (office mobile) or 0161 2752562

This study has been approved by the University of Manchester Research Ethics Committee.

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