Promoting functional health in midlife and old age: long-term protective effects of control beliefs, social support, and physical exercise.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies have examined physical risk factors in relation to functional health, but less work has focused on the protective role of psychological and social factors. We examined the individual and joint protective contribution of control beliefs, social support and physical exercise to changes in functional health, beyond the influence of health status and physical risk factors in middle-aged and older adults. Given that functional health typically declines throughout adulthood, it is important to identify modifiable factors that can be implemented to maintain functioning, improve quality of life, and reduce disability.

Methodology/principal findings

We conducted a national longitudinal study, Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), with assessments in 1995-1

SUBMITTER: Lachman ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2952603 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature