Physical activity and quality of life in older adults: Influence of health status and self-efficacy

Edward McAuley, James F. Konopack, Robert W. Motl, Katherine S. Morris, Shawna E. Doerksen, Karl R. Rosengren

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

224 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Physical activity has been positively linked to quality of life (QOL) in older adults. Measures of health status and global well-being represent common methods of assessing QOL outcomes, yet little has been done to determine the nature of the relationship of these outcomes with physical activity. Purpose: We examined the roles played by physical activity, health status, and self-efficacy in global QOL (satisfaction with life) in a sample of older Black and White women. Method: Participants (N = 249, M age = 68.12 years) completed multiple indicators of physical activity, self-efficacy, health status, and QOL at baseline of a 24-month prospective trial. Structural equation modeling examined the fit of 3 models of the physical activity and QOL relationship. Results: Analyses indicated that relationships between physical activity and QOL, self-efficacy and QOL were all indirect. Specifically, physical activity influenced self-efficacy and QOL through physical and mental health status, which in turn influenced global QOL. Conclusions: Our findings support a social cognitive model of physical activity's relationship with QOL. Subsequent tests of hypothesized relationships across time are recommended.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)99-103
Number of pages5
JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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