Exercise and Health Anxiety in Older Women: Exploring the Mediating Role of Anxiety Sensitivity

Abstract

Research shows that health anxiety significantly affects older adults’ health and quality of life. Although exercise may be associated with lower health anxiety, research on older adults is limited, and the mechanism remains unknown. This study examined the association between exercise and health anxiety in older women and the mediating role of anxiety sensitivity in this association. Participants were 166 women aged 65+ years, without health problems that prevented them from exercising. Participants were recruited via Facebook advertisements. They completed an online self-report questionnaire including measures of health anxiety, physical activity, and anxiety sensitivity. The SPSS PROCESS macro was used to examine the association between exercise and health anxiety, and the role of anxiety sensitivity as a mediator. Results indicated that greater participation in exercise was associated with lower health anxiety, and anxiety sensitivity mediated the association. Findings suggest that exercise-based interventions might prevent health anxiety in older adults.