Decline in Exercise in Old Age: Longitudinal Evidence of Distance to Death and the Role of Self-Perceptions of Aging
2024
Decline in Exercise in Old Age and Self-Perceptions of Aging
Sample size: 12027
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Zheyuan, Wen Wan, Mejia Shannon
Primary Institution: Beijing Normal University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Hypothesis
The study investigates how self-perceptions of aging influence exercise engagement as individuals approach the end of life.
Conclusion
Positive self-perceptions of aging can help older adults maintain their physical activity levels even as they near death.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults are less likely to engage in physical activity as they approach the end of life.
- Positive self-perceptions of aging can mitigate the decline in physical activity.
Takeaway
As people get older, they tend to exercise less, but feeling good about getting older can help them stay active.
Methodology
The study analyzed 10-year longitudinal data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey using multilevel models.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 62 to 117, with 59% being female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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