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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Loneliness predicts reduced physical activity: cross-sectional & longitudinal analyses
Louise C Hawkley1, Ronald A Thisted, John T Cacioppo
1University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. hawkley@uchicago.edu
Summary
Loneliness in middle and older adults is linked to less physical activity and a higher chance of becoming inactive. Emotion regulation, not social control, partially explains this connection.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Loneliness is a growing concern in aging populations.
- Understanding factors influencing physical activity in older adults is crucial for health.
- The interplay between social factors and physical activity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between loneliness and physical activity in middle and older adults.
- To investigate the mediating roles of social control and emotion regulation.
- To assess both cross-sectional and prospective associations.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year longitudinal study of 229 diverse adults aged 50-68.
- Annual assessments of physical activity probability.
- Statistical analysis of loneliness, social control, emotion regulation, and physical activity.
Main Results:
- Loneliness was significantly associated with reduced odds of physical activity (OR=0.65).
- This association was mediated by hedonic emotion regulation, but not social control.
- Loneliness predicted decreased physical activity over time (OR=0.61) and transition to inactivity (OR=1.58).
Conclusions:
- Loneliness is an independent risk factor for physical inactivity in middle and older age.
- Loneliness increases the likelihood of discontinuing physical activity.
- Emotion regulation strategies may be key targets for interventions.
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