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Physical activity intervention in older adults: does a participating partner make a difference?

Abstract  

Social integration and social support are expected to facilitate the adoption and maintenance of physical activity. In the
context of a physical activity intervention, we distinguished three partner status groups, serving as an indicator of social
integration. It was hypothesized that individuals whose partner also participated in the intervention, as opposed to individuals
whose partners did not participate, or individuals without an intimate partner, would benefit more in terms of their physical
activity. In a second step, a differential prediction pattern of social support on physical activity for each of the three
partner status groups was investigated. The study involved 302 men and women (aged 60–95 years) and included two measurement
points in time: A baseline assessment with a leaflet intervention to foster physical activity, and a 4-week follow-up assessment.
In participants whose partners took part in the intervention, physical activity increased substantially over time, whereas
it did not change in those individuals whose partners were not involved in the intervention, and it did not change in singles.
Social support was positively related to physical activity when couples participated together in the intervention, but it
was negatively related in singles or when partners did not participate. Social support appeared to be beneficial for physical
activity in older adults when both partners participate in the intervention, which might reflect joint exercise or reciprocal
exercise support. Singles or those with nonparticipating partners are not only less active, they might also be impeded by
misguided support that could be perceived as social control.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Pages 1-9
  • DOI 10.1007/s10433-011-0193-5
  • Authors
    • Paul Gellert, Freie Universität Berlin, Health Psychology, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195 Berlin, Germany
    • Jochen P. Ziegelmann, Freie Universität Berlin, Health Psychology, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195 Berlin, Germany
    • Lisa M. Warner, Freie Universität Berlin, Health Psychology, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195 Berlin, Germany
    • Ralf Schwarzer, Freie Universität Berlin, Health Psychology, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195 Berlin, Germany
    • Journal European Journal of Ageing
    • Online ISSN 1613-9380
    • Print ISSN 1613-9372
Posted in: Journal Article Abstracts on 07/24/2011 | Link to this post on IFP |
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