The goldilocks days represent optimal time-use to prevent obesity, low physical performance, risk and fear of falling in older adults

Abstract This study introduces the concept of the “Goldilocks Day” – the optimal 24-hour time-use of intensity- or posture-specific composition specifically tailored for young-old (65–70 years) and old-old (> 70 years) adults. We aimed (1) to describe optimal 24-hour time-use of compositions for...

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Main Authors: Jan Vindiš, Jana Pelclová, Paulína Jašková, Karel Hron
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-09645-0
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author Jan Vindiš
Jana Pelclová
Paulína Jašková
Karel Hron
author_facet Jan Vindiš
Jana Pelclová
Paulína Jašková
Karel Hron
author_sort Jan Vindiš
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study introduces the concept of the “Goldilocks Day” – the optimal 24-hour time-use of intensity- or posture-specific composition specifically tailored for young-old (65–70 years) and old-old (> 70 years) adults. We aimed (1) to describe optimal 24-hour time-use of compositions for each health outcome, and (2) identify the ‘Goldilock Day’ for all outcomes together. This approach, involving backwards pivot coordinates (bpcs), we provide a clearer interpretation of physical behavior data, offering practical insights for healthy aging. Data were collected from 309 older adults (65 + years) in Czechia, using accelerometers worn on the non-dominant wrist to assess intensity-specific behaviors (sedentary behavior - SB, light physical activity - LPA, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity - MVPA, and sleep) and on the right thigh and waist to assess posture-specific behaviors (lying, sitting, standing, moving, and walking). Health outcomes included body mass index (BMI), fall risk, fear of falling, and overall physical performance as assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery. Compositional regression models, based on the bpcs, were used to assess the relationships between time-use and these outcomes. In young-old adults, the time-use composition for optimal BMI included 7.5 h of sleep, 12.0 h of SB, 3.2 h of LPA, and 1.4 h of MVPA. Old-old adults displayed slightly lower MVPA (1.0 h) and increased SB (12.8 h). Generally, higher MVPA and lower SB were associated with better physical performance and reduced fear of falling. The optimal “Goldilocks Day” for both age groups highlighted the benefits of higher physical activity and reduced sedentary time, with significant implications for personalized health recommendations and improved health outcomes in Czech older adults.
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spelling doaj-art-d6359e6dd68545119e8a5f8ddc59020c2025-08-20T03:05:25ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111010.1038/s41598-025-09645-0The goldilocks days represent optimal time-use to prevent obesity, low physical performance, risk and fear of falling in older adultsJan Vindiš0Jana Pelclová1Paulína Jašková2Karel Hron3Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University OlomoucFaculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University OlomoucFaculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University OlomoucFaculty of Science, Palacký University OlomoucAbstract This study introduces the concept of the “Goldilocks Day” – the optimal 24-hour time-use of intensity- or posture-specific composition specifically tailored for young-old (65–70 years) and old-old (> 70 years) adults. We aimed (1) to describe optimal 24-hour time-use of compositions for each health outcome, and (2) identify the ‘Goldilock Day’ for all outcomes together. This approach, involving backwards pivot coordinates (bpcs), we provide a clearer interpretation of physical behavior data, offering practical insights for healthy aging. Data were collected from 309 older adults (65 + years) in Czechia, using accelerometers worn on the non-dominant wrist to assess intensity-specific behaviors (sedentary behavior - SB, light physical activity - LPA, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity - MVPA, and sleep) and on the right thigh and waist to assess posture-specific behaviors (lying, sitting, standing, moving, and walking). Health outcomes included body mass index (BMI), fall risk, fear of falling, and overall physical performance as assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery. Compositional regression models, based on the bpcs, were used to assess the relationships between time-use and these outcomes. In young-old adults, the time-use composition for optimal BMI included 7.5 h of sleep, 12.0 h of SB, 3.2 h of LPA, and 1.4 h of MVPA. Old-old adults displayed slightly lower MVPA (1.0 h) and increased SB (12.8 h). Generally, higher MVPA and lower SB were associated with better physical performance and reduced fear of falling. The optimal “Goldilocks Day” for both age groups highlighted the benefits of higher physical activity and reduced sedentary time, with significant implications for personalized health recommendations and improved health outcomes in Czech older adults.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-09645-0AccelerometryCompositional data analysisPhysical behaviorPosture-specific behavior
spellingShingle Jan Vindiš
Jana Pelclová
Paulína Jašková
Karel Hron
The goldilocks days represent optimal time-use to prevent obesity, low physical performance, risk and fear of falling in older adults
Scientific Reports
Accelerometry
Compositional data analysis
Physical behavior
Posture-specific behavior
title The goldilocks days represent optimal time-use to prevent obesity, low physical performance, risk and fear of falling in older adults
title_full The goldilocks days represent optimal time-use to prevent obesity, low physical performance, risk and fear of falling in older adults
title_fullStr The goldilocks days represent optimal time-use to prevent obesity, low physical performance, risk and fear of falling in older adults
title_full_unstemmed The goldilocks days represent optimal time-use to prevent obesity, low physical performance, risk and fear of falling in older adults
title_short The goldilocks days represent optimal time-use to prevent obesity, low physical performance, risk and fear of falling in older adults
title_sort goldilocks days represent optimal time use to prevent obesity low physical performance risk and fear of falling in older adults
topic Accelerometry
Compositional data analysis
Physical behavior
Posture-specific behavior
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-09645-0
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