Older adults' social network and support and its association with physical activity

The purpose of this study was to describe older adults' social network and support during a physical activity intervention and its association with physical activity. Mixed methods were used for this secondary analysis of existing data from a physical activity intervention. Seventy-three participants who completed a session by telephone on using support comprised the sample. Participants reported on average approximately eight individuals in their social network. Half reported support for physical activity from a spouse/partner, adult child, or friend. Those who perceived support for self-reported physical activity tended to have greater improvements on average from baseline for mean daily minutes of physical activity than those with no perceived support. Four -fifths developed a plan for a spouse/partner, friend, adult child, or sibling to provide physical activity support. Participants reported that the session was helpful and increased their confidence in using support; over one-quarter intended to use support after the intervention ended. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study aimed to explore the social networks and support of older adults during a physical activity intervention, and how it is associated with physical activity. Findings showed that receiving support for physical activity from a spouse/partner, adult child, or friend led to greater improvements in daily physical activity minutes. Participants also developed plans to receive support from their close relationships for physical activity.