Physical activity behavior pathway from intention to action in older adults: a structural equation model based on the...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for older adults' health and well-being.
• Understanding the behavioral pathways of physical activity is essential for effective promotion programs.
• Many older adults intend to be active but struggle with sustained engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavioral pathway from intention formation to action control for physical activity in older adults.
• To identify key factors influencing physical activity intention and behavior in this demographic.
• To provide evidence for developing targeted physical activity interventions for seniors.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 372 older adults from community health centers in Shanghai, China.
• Assessed physical activity using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly.
• Utilized validated tools based on the multi-process action control framework and structural equation modeling.

Main Results:

• 89.2% of participants intended to be physically active, but only 18.1% met WHO recommendations.
• Perceived opportunity directly influenced intention formation.
• Perceived opportunity, affective attitude, and intention influenced behavioral regulation for action adoption.
• Behavioral regulation influenced leisure-time physical activity through habit and identity for action maintenance.

Conclusions:

• Perceived opportunity is a key determinant of physical activity intention in older adults.
• Affective attitude and perceived opportunity are important for translating intention into action.
• Habit formation and identity are critical for sustained physical activity in older adults.