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This study aimed to investigate differences in physical activity (PA) patterns and the associations between objectively measured 24-h movement behaviors and musculoskeletal measures (muscle strength, muscle mass, physical performance, and bone mineral density) in a high-income and a low-income community. This cross-sectional study recruited independent living older adults aged 60-85 years from high-income Scottish (n = 150) and low-income South African (n = 138) settings. Participants completed demographic and health questionnaires, and testing included body composition and bone mineral density (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), physical performance (grip strength, gait speed), and PA (accelerometry). Participants accumulated similar amounts of weekly total PA, however, the Scottish cohort engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and sedentary behavior (SB), while the South African cohort spent more time sleeping and in light intensity PA (LPA). From compositional data analysis, more time spent in MVPA relative to the other movement behaviors was positively associated with higher muscle mass ( p < 0.001) and strength ( p = 0.001) in the Scottish cohort. Conversely, more time spent in MVPA was associated with faster gait speed ( p < 0.001) and greater hip bone mineral density ( p = 0.011) in the South African cohort. Our findings confirm the beneficial role of MVPA in both high- and low-income cohorts, however, the relationship MVPA had with components of musculoskeletal health in older adults differed between settings.

Exercise plays a key role in healthy aging by promoting both physical and cognitive function. Physical function and cognitive function appear to be interrelated and may share common mechanisms. Thus, exercise-induced improvements in physical function and cognitive function may co-occur and be associated with each other. However, no systematic review has specifically assessed and compared the effects of exercise on both physical function and cognitive function in older adults, and the association between changes in both outcomes after exercise training. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (N = 48 studies) among older adults (60+ years). These data suggest exercise training has a significant benefit for both physical function (g = 0.39; p < 0.001) and cognitive function (g = 0.24; p < 0.001). At the study level, there was a positive correlation between the size of the exercise-induced effect on physical function and on cognitive function (b = 0.41; p = 0.002). Our results indicate exercise improves both physical and cognitive function, reiterating the notion that exercise is a panacea for aging well., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Given the world's aging population, it is important to identify strategies that promote healthy cognitive aging and minimize cognitive decline. Currently, no curative pharmaceutical therapy exists for cognitive impairment and dementia. As a result, there is much interest in lifestyle approaches. Specifically, complex mental activity, such as cognitive training, may be a promising method to combat cognitive decline in older adults. As such, the industry of commercial computerized cognitive training (CCT) applications has rapidly grown in the last decade. However, the efficacy of these commercial products is largely not established. Moreover, exercise is a recognized strategy for promoting cognitive outcomes in older adults and may augment the efficacy of computerized cognitive training applications. Therefore, we propose a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effect of a commercial CCT program in community-dwelling older adults., Methods: An 8-week RCT to examine the effect of a commercial CCT program, alone and preceded by a 15-min brisk walk, on cognitive function and explore the underlying neural mechanisms in adults aged 65-85 years old. Participants will be randomized to one of three intervention groups: 1) Computerized cognitive training (FBT); 2) A 15-min brisk walk followed by computerized cognitive training (Ex-FBT); or 3) A combination of educational classes, sham cognitive training, and balanced and tone exercises (active control, BAT). Participants in all intervention groups will attend three one-hour classes per week over the course of the intervention. Participants will be assessed at baseline, trial completion, and 1-year post study completion (1-year follow-up)., Discussion: If results from this study show benefits for cognition at trial completion, CCT programs, alone or in combination with walking, might be a strategy to promote healthy cognitive aging in older adults. In addition, results from the 1-year follow-up measurement could provide important information regarding the long-term benefits of these CCT programs., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System: NCT02564809; registered September 1, 2015.

Background: White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are associated with impaired cognition and increased falls risk. Resistance training (RT) is a promising intervention to reduce WMH progression, improve executive functions, and reduce falls. However, the underlying neurobiological process by which RT improves executive functions and falls risk remain unclear. We hypothesized that: 1) RT reduces the level of WMH-related disruption to functional networks; and 2) reduced disruption to the sensorimotor and attention networks will be associated with improved executive function and reduced falls risk.Objective: Investigate the impact of 52 weeks of RT on WMH-related disruption to functional networks.Methods: Thirty-two older females (65-75 years) were included in this exploratory analysis of a 52-week randomized controlled trial. Participants received either twice-weekly RT or balance and tone training (control). We used lesion network mapping to assess changes in WMH-related disruption to the sensorimotor, dorsal attention, and ventral attention networks. Executive function was measured using the Stroop Colour-Word Test. Falls risk was assessed using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) and the foam sway test.Results: RT significantly reduced the level of WMH-related disruption to the sensorimotor network (p = 0.012). Reduced disruption to the dorsal attention network was associated with improvements in Stroop performance (r = 0.527, p = 0.030). Reduced disruption to the ventral attention network was associated with reduced PPA score (r = 0.485, p = 0.049)Conclusion:RT may be a promising intervention to mitigate WMH-related disruption to the sensorimotor network. Additionally, reducing disruption to the dorsal and ventral attention networks may contribute to improved executive function and reduced falls risk respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]