The Relationship Between Three Sources of Social Support and Physical Activity Level in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Abstract

This study examined how different sources of social support from family members (excluding partners), friends, and partners were associated with moderate and vigorous leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among middle-aged and older adults. This study included married participants aged 45 or older ( N = 2,155) from the Midlife in the United States secondary data set. Hierarchical linear regression was performed to investigate the relationship between the three sources of social support and moderate LTPA, and separately, with vigorous LTPA. Partner support ( b = 0.19, p < .01), family support ( b = −0.19, p < .01), and friend support ( b = 0.26, p < .001) were all significantly associated with moderate LTPA. Only social support from friends was associated with vigorous LTPA ( b = 0.24, p < .001). Our study emphasizes the significance of social support in influencing LTPA behaviors among middle-aged and older adults. Future programs promoting physical activity should incorporate social support from friends to have the greatest impact.