The Relationship between Social Support for Physical Activity and Physical Activity across Nine Years in Adults Aged 60–65 Years at Baseline

Abstract

Physical activity is consistently recognized as a key component of healthy aging. The current study aimed to investigate the prospective association between social support specific for physical activity (SSPA) and physical activity across nine years among adults aged 60–65 years at baseline (n = 1984). An observational longitudinal design was used, with mail surveys administered to a population-based sample across four waves. SSPA was measured using a score ranging from 5–25, and physical activity was assessed as time spent in walking, or engaging in moderate and vigorous activity, during the previous week. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. The results demonstrated a positive significant relationship between SSPA and physical activity, accounting for sociodemographic and health variables. Each unit of increase in SSPA was associated with 11 extra minutes of physical activity per week (p < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between SSPA and wave at the final timepoint, such that the relationship was weaker (p = 0.017). The results highlight the value of even small increases in SSPA. SSPA could be targeted to promote physical activity among older adults, but may be more impactful in young-old adults. More research is needed to understand impactful sources of SSPA, underlying mechanisms between SSPA and physical activity, and potential moderation by age.