Meaning in life and accelerometer-measured physical activity: Association based on 67,038 UK Biobank participants

Meaning in life is associated consistently with greater self-reported physical activity. The present research sought to replicate this association with the largest sample to date with objectively measured physical activity. Participants between the ages of 40 and 70 years old from the UK Biobank (N = 67,038) wore an accelerometer for up to seven days and reported on their meaning in life. Higher meaning was associated with greater engagement in physical activity, an association robust across age, gender, and education. It remained significant accounting for body mass index, depression, and relative deprivation. Further, for every 1-point increase in meaning in life, there was a 14% increase in likelihood of being in the top quartile of physical activity (OR = 1.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.11, 1.16, p < .001) and a 10% increase in likelihood of engaging in vigorous activity (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.15, p < .001). Physical activity may be one behavioral mechanism that links meaning in life to better health outcomes.

Automated summary

Research shows a positive association between meaning in life and physical activity, indicating that individuals with higher levels of meaning tend to be more engaged in physical activity. This relationship holds across different age groups, genders, and education levels.