Health-Promoting Behaviors, Physical Self-Efficacy, Exercise Adherence, and Sports Commitment Among Older Adults Who Participate in Sports Activities.

OBJECTIVES

The Republic of Korea is progressively becoming a super-aged society, emphasizing the need for regular physical activity among older adults because it has physical, psychological, and social benefits. Recently, increasing depression and suicide rates have been reported among older adults living alone. However, research that considers older adults' living situations is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between health-promoting behaviors (HPB), physical self-efficacy (PSE), exercise adherence, and sports commitment among older adults aged ≥ 65 years who participated in sports activities and investigate the influence of their living situation.

METHODS

The participants were 452 individuals aged ≥ 65 who lived in the metropolitan areas of Chungcheong-do, Jeolla-do, and Gwangju Provinces, Republic of Korea, and who regularly participated in sports activities (men = 283, women = 169). This study was conducted from January to May 2024. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and multi-group analysis.

RESULTS

Structural equation modeling showed that the research model was appropriate, and all five paths showed statistical significance. The identity of the model was verified in the multi-group analysis, but path coefficients differed between older adults living alone and those living with family members. HPB significantly affected PSE, exercise adherence, and sports commitment among both groups of older adults. However, the impact of PSE on exercise adherence and sports commitment was not statistically significant among older adults living alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the need to consider older adults' living situations when establishing regular physical activity. Efforts should also be made to promote regular exercise participation among older adults living alone.