Strong Relationships Promote Physical Activity in Older Adults

A study in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that strong relationships encourage physical activity and positive health behaviors in older adults and should not be overlooked during social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Medical Xpress . Researchers at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa worked with international partners to examine 1,193 adults ages 65 to 74 in Albania, Brazil, and Colombia. They determined that individual and interpersonal factors were most strongly associated with meeting physical activity guidelines — and subjects with higher educational attainment, a strong relationship with a life partner, or a network of close friends were much more likely to be physically active on a regular basis. Meanwhile, female and depressed participants were less likely to engage in regular physical activity. Mental health challenges are likely to grow during the current crisis, but walking has been shown to protect against depression. "Older adults who experience social isolation are at greater risk of depression, cognitive decline, and other poor health outcomes," said University of Hawai'i Professor Catherine Pirkle. "We must find innovative ways to maintain connectedness and physical activity, while also following public health guidelines."