Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Degree Granting Department

Child and Family Studies

Major Professor

Bryon G. Miller, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Raymond Miltenberger, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Heather Zerger, Ph.D.

Keywords

Applied Behavior Analysis, Healthy Aging, Pedometer, Step Count

Abstract

Healthy aging can be defined as maintaining functional ability that promotes overall wellbeing as one ages. Adequate levels of physical activity in older adulthood are associated with many positive health outcomes which support healthy aging; however, most older adults do not meet the current physical activity recommendations associated with healthy aging. Generally, inadequate physical activity is associated with a variety of health risk factors including overweight and obesity, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Although older adults share these same risk factors for inadequate levels of physical activity as adults, there are additional risk factors that are unique to this population that may negatively impact health aging. For example, older adulthood is correlated with decreased bone and muscle mass, as well as changes in gait patterns, which for some, drastically increases the risk of accidental falls, which result in permanently disabling or even fatal injury. Previous applied investigations have demonstrated the utility of package interventions consisting of goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback, in both children and adults. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a package intervention consisting of these components in increasing daily step totals in older adults. The results of this investigation, as well as implications and recommendations for physical activity research with older adults, will be discussed.

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