Abstract
Social relationships are central to the health and well-being of older adults. Evidence exploring the association of physical activity (PA) with social isolation and loneliness is limited. This study uses a path analysis to investigate the longitudinal association between loneliness and social isolation with PA using the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Higher levels of social isolation measured using the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index were directly and indirectly associated with lower levels of walking, moderate PA, and vigorous PA over 6 years. Additionally, higher levels of walking were associated with lower levels of loneliness measured using a modified version of the University of California, Los Angeles loneliness scale over a 3-year period. Future interventions should target individuals who are more socially isolated and explore the effects of different types of PA on loneliness over time.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 562-572 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Aging and Physical Activity |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 20 Dec 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 1 Aug 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2021 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Keywords
- Longitudinal
- Moderate activity
- Vigorous activity
- Walking