Data generally shows that old adults who exercise increase their activity level and, in turn, improve their health. Umstattd and coworkers examined the relationship between self-regulation and physical activity in older adults. A convenience sample (N=284) of older adults (mean age=70.4 years) was surveyed. Multivariate analyses controlling for self-efficacy and socio-demographic variables revealed that using self-regulatory strategies more extensively, being male, and having better self-report health were significantly related to greater physical activity. Supportive of a social cognitive perspective, results were also consistent with mediation, where self-regulation partially mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and physical activity.

VALUE OF STUDY TO READER: The results show that physical activity had many different benefits for older adults. The authors concluded that further examination of these relationships using prospective and experimental designs is recommended. In the meantime, however, older adults should either begin or continue their exercise activities.

MR Umstattd et al. Self-regulation and Physical Activity: The Relationship in Older Adults. American Journal of Health Behavior, 2008;32:115-124.