Beyer AK, Wolff JK, Warner LM, Schüz B, Wurm S, Wolff JK (2015)
Publication Type: Journal article, Original article
Publication year: 2015
Book Volume: 30
Pages Range: 671-685
Journal Issue: 6
DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2015.1014370
Objective: Positive self-perceptions of ageing are associated with better health; however, little is known about the potentially underlying mechanisms. The present longitudinal study examines whether the relationship between self-perceptions of ageing and self-rated health is mediated by physical activity in older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Design: A sample of 309 German community-dwelling older adults aged 65–85 years with two or more chronic conditions was assessed at three measurement occasions over 2.5 years. Participants provided information on self-perceptions of ageing, physical activity, self-rated health, number of chronic conditions and demographics (T1). Physical activity was reassessed six months later (T2) and self-rated health after 2.5 years (T3). Data were analysed using multiple regression and path analyses. Main outcome measures: Self-rated health and physical activity. Results: More positive self-perceptions of ageing were related to better self-rated health over a 2.5-year period controlling for confounding variables. Physical activity six months after T1 partially mediated this relationship. Conclusion: Having more positive self-perceptions of ageing is associated with higher levels of physical activity, which in turn predict better self-rated health over time. This supports the hypothesis of a behavioural pathway in the self-perceptions of ageing – health link.
APA:
Beyer, A.-K., Wolff, J.K., Warner, L.M., Schüz, B., Wurm, S., & Wolff, J.K. (2015). The role of physical activity in the relationship between self-perceptions of ageing and self-rated health in older adults. Psychology and Health, 30(6), 671-685. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2015.1014370
MLA:
Beyer, Ann-Kristin, et al. "The role of physical activity in the relationship between self-perceptions of ageing and self-rated health in older adults." Psychology and Health 30.6 (2015): 671-685.
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