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Association Between Participation in Group-Based Exercise During Adolescence and Physical Activity in Older Age
Momoka Watanabe1, Kenjiro Kawaguchi2, Kazushige Ide2
1Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Group-based exercise in adolescence is linked to increased walking and sports participation in older age. Both early life and lifelong physical activity contribute to sustained engagement in later life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Exercise Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent physical activity habits can influence long-term health behaviors.
- Understanding the long-term impact of early-life exercise is crucial for promoting lifelong physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adolescent group-based exercise and physical activity in older age.
- To explore the roles of sensitive periods and activity accumulation in maintaining physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cross-sectional data from 19,249 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years).
- Retrospectively assessed group-based exercise participation during adolescence (ages 13-18).
- Analyzed associations with daily walking time and weekly sports group participation using modified Poisson regression.
Main Results:
- Adolescent group-based exercise was significantly associated with increased walking time (PR 1.04) and sports group participation (PR 1.18) in older age.
- Findings supported both sensitive period (adolescent-only activity) and accumulation (multi-stage participation) models.
- Associations remained consistent across different sexes and adolescent living standards.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent group-based exercise positively impacts physical activity levels in later life.
- Both early-life exposure and cumulative physical activity engagement are important for sustained activity.
- Promoting equitable access to organized sports in adolescence and throughout life is recommended to foster older adult activity.
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