Psychosocial and behavioural contributors to health: Age-related increases in physical disability are reduced by physical fitness

Abstract

The aging process is associated with increased risk for disease which can cause physical and economic burden for older adults. In a national longitudinal sample of 3910 participants aged 24-75 years (55% women), we examined psychosocial and behavioural factors associated with physical health in adulthood. With hierarchical regression analyses controlling for Time 1 values of the dependent variable and demographic characteristics, we found that participants reporting better social relations, a higher sense of control, a smaller waist circumference and greater physical activity at Time 1 reported better self-rated physical health (Adj. R 2 =0.33, F(11, 3661) =164.66, p < 0.001) and less physical disability (Adj. R 2 =0.44, F (13,3659) = 226.25, p < 0.001) 9 years later than their counterparts reported. Furthermore, significant interactions showed that smaller waist circumference and greater physical activity at Time 1 attenuated age-related increases in physical disability. Beneficial effects of physical fitness are considered within the context of lifespan theories of health, and implications for interventions are discussed.

Self-rated health and all-cause and cause-specific mortality of older adults: Individual data meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies in the CHANCES Consortium

“…Nevertheless, our results were generally consistent when individuals with serious morbidities at recruitment were analysed. We used only baseline SRH which may have changed during follow-up, although SRH is considered to remain stable even after major health events [41].…”

No Strain, No Gain: Psychosocial Predictors of Physical Activity Across the Adult Lifespan

“…Because healthier individuals tend to be more active,39 we controlled for current self-rated health. Self-rated health was measured with 1 item asking participants to rate, on a 5-point scale, “In general, would you say your physical health is excellent (5), very good (4), good (3), fair (2), or poor (1)?” Responses ranged from 1 to 5 (mean = 3.57, SD = 1.00).…”

Self-realisation and meaning making in the face of adversity: a eudaimonic approach to human resilience

“…Thus, high life engagement appeared to serve as a protective resource, thereby reducing the risk of future disability and mortality for these individuals. A related study from MIDUS (Cotter & Lachman, 2010) found that physical health decline with aging was significantly reduced among those with positive profiles on three protective factors (control beliefs, social support, physical exercise).…”