USING ACTIGRAPHY TO ASSESS CHRONOTYPE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Chronotype refers to the time of day that people prefer be active or sleep and varies predictably across lifespan. In younger samples, morning-chronotype is related greater levels physical activity (PA) improved health outcomes. It unclear whether this pattern holds in older adults, a group commonly exhibits an “early bird” preference. We investigated differences PA patterns between chronotypes 109 adults (Mage = 70.45 years) using wrist-worn ActiGraphs free-living environment. captured data about novel approach measuring chronotype with mid-point interval. categorized participants as morning-, intermediate-, evening-chronotypes. used ANCOVA predict total average peak from chronotype, adjusting for age, sex, education, BMI. Total significantly differed such evening-types engaged less than both morning- intermediate-types, F (2,102) 4.377, p =.015. Average did not differ chronotypes, =.112. Consistent findings our evening type overall activity. A unique finding was their intermediate-chronotype peers levels. This implies key distinction consistent recent trends research 24-hour-a-day framework instead Future should consider these translate into meaningful benefits age group.