The Mediation Effect of Activities of Daily Living and Mobility Upon Moderate Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in the United States.

Abstract

Background: Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) provides many beneficial health outcomes for older adults. However, older adults often face challenges in engaging in LTPA due to declining physical functioning. Regular participation in LTPA has been significantly associated with improved life satisfaction and well-being, primarily through fostering a sense of independence and promoting enhanced physical and mental health. Despite this, there is a notable gap in research regarding the directional associations between LTPA participation, life satisfaction, and activities of daily living (ADL).

Methods: We investigated the mechanisms through which moderate levels of LTPA participation impact life satisfaction in older adults, focusing on its relationship with mobility and ADL performance. Utilizing data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey, comprising a sample of 8,779 older adults, we examined levels of LTPA participation, mobility, ADL performance, and life satisfaction in older adults. Path analysis explored the associations between LTPA participation and life satisfaction while considering the mediating effects of mobility and ADL performance.

Results: Our findings revealed that participation in LTPA is significantly associated with both mobility and ADL performance, which in turn are strongly linked to life satisfaction.

Conclusion: The findings of our study underscore the importance of promoting LTPA participation by older adults to enhance life satisfaction, with mobility and ADL performance serving as key mediators in this association.

Implications: This study suggests exploring related causal pathways and developing targeted interventions that encourage older adults to integrate moderate LTPA participation into their daily lives.