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The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences Advance Access originally published online on June 15, 2009
The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 2009 64B(5):543-550; doi:10.1093/geronb/gbp049
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org.

Trajectory of Declines in Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Women: Social Cognitive Influences

Edward McAuley, Katherine S. Hall, Robert W. Motl, Siobhan M. White, Thomas R. Wójcicki, Liang Hu and Shawna E. Doerksen

Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

Address correspondence to Edward McAuley, PhD, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, 336 Freer Hall, Urbana, IL 61801. Email: emcauley{at}illinois.edu


  Abstract

Studies examining physical activity behavior suggest that activity levels decline with age. Such declines are particularly problematic among older adults in light of the research suggesting a protective effect of physical activity on numerous physical health outcomes associated with independent living. Despite a growing recognition of the importance of a physically active lifestyle, little is known about the role of demographic and psychosocial variables on this trajectory of change. In this study, the roles played by outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and functional limitations on changes in physical activity levels over a 2-year period in older women were assessed using latent growth curve modeling. Data were obtained from 249 community-dwelling older women (M age = 68.12, n = 81 Black, and n = 168 White). Demographic, health status, and psychosocial data were collected via self-report upon entry into the study. Self-reported physical activity was assessed at baseline and again at 12 and 24 months. As expected, physical activity declined over the 2-year period. Self-efficacy demonstrated an indirect association with the trajectory of decline in physical activity through functional limitations. Importantly, the pattern of relationships appears independent of demographic factors and chronic health conditions.

Key Words: Physical activity • Social cognitive • Women

Received October 14, 2008; Accepted May 8, 2009

Decision Editor: Rosemary Blieszner, PhD


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