Purpose in life and accelerometer-measured physical activity among older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Purpose in life is associated with engagement in physical activity and better cognitive health. This study examines the association between purpose in life and patterns of physical activity measured with an accelerometer and whether these patterns mediate the association between purpose and episodic memory among older adults.

Methods and measures

This research is a secondary analysis of data from the accelerometry sub-study of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Participants (N = 747; mean age = 79.20) reported on their purpose, wore an accelerometer for eight days, and completed an episodic memory task.

Results

Purpose in life was associated with healthier patterns of physical activity, including higher total activity counts (β = .10,

SUBMITTER: Sutin AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10582199 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature