Sedentary behaviour: opportunities for action symposium

Sedentary behaviour is defined as activities performed while sitting or lying with low energy expenditure. In modern society, the vast majority of time is spent seated whether for work, transport or leisure activities. There is mounting evidence that this time spent sedentary has specific physiological and deleterious effects on health and wellbeing distinct of those due to lack of physical activity. In order to promote health and wellbeing interventions need to consider not only increasing physical activity but also decreasing sedentary behaviour. The majority of sedentary behaviour research has been conducted in children and adult populations, yet older adults are the most sedentary segment of society. This symposium brings aims to redress this balance by presenting the evidence related to sedentary behaviour research in older people and to identify opportunities for action.