Improving physical activity in older adults with hearing loss

“I don’t want to make a fuss. I don’t want to be different. I don’t want to be seen as disabled.”
This public lecture was delivered by Dr David Maidment, Lecturer in Psychology at Loughborough University, in May 2022. The talk discussed improving physical activity in older adults with hearing loss.
Hearing loss in older adults is independently associated with an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and dementia. Evidence suggests that physical activity may play a role in this association, since older adults with hearing loss are more likely to be physically inactive or sedentary.
No studies to date have examined how physical activity can be successfully facilitated in this population. As a result, this presentation outlined the work that has been completed at Loughborough University assessing the associations between hearing loss, chronic disease risk and physical activity. It also discussed ongoing work involving the development a digital behaviour change intervention that aims to improve physical activity in older adults with hearing loss so they can live longer, healthier lives.