How chronotype, sleep, and physical activity level relate in older adults: Findings from Refreshment University
Educational Gerontology, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/03601277.2025.2595144
- Dergi Adı: Educational Gerontology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, AgeLine, CINAHL, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Research on the interplay of chronotype, physical activity, and sleep quality in older adults participating in lifelong learning programs is limited. This study aims to investigate the associationbetween these factors among Refreshment University (RU) participants, given the unique social and cognitive engagement opportunities this program offers. Understanding this interplay may inform strategies to promote healthy aging in similar educational settings. One hundred participants (mean age = 65.85 ± 7.24 years, mean body mass index (BMI) = 26.32 ± 2.47 kg/m2) completed the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Correlation and curve estimation-based linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between variables. Participants of RU showed intermediate chronotypes, moderate physical activity, and good sleep quality (PSQI = 1.94, sleep onset latency = 34.10 min, sleep duration = 7.13 h). Weak and moderate correlations were observed between chronotype and both sleep onset latency (r = −0.268, p =.007) and physical activity (r = 0.338, p =.001). Sleep onset latency was moderately correlated with sleep quality (r = 0.437, p <.001). Notably, morning chronotype tendency and higher total physical activity were associated with better sleep quality (B = −0.251, p =.012 and B = −0.345, p <.05, respectively) according to regression models. These findings suggest that promoting physical activity levels within RU programs could be a valuable strategy for improving sleep quality in older people. Longitudinal research is warranted to investigate further causal relationships and the long-term influence of these educational programs on healthy aging.