Personality traits and physical activity in middle-aged and older adults: a rapid review of evidence and interventions.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Promoting physical activity (PA) is essential for health in middle-aged and older adults, yet global activity levels remain low. While personality is a recognized determinant of PA in the general adult population, personality-PA associations and personality-informed interventions in middle-aged and older adults remain under-explored. This rapid review aimed to synthesize evidence on Five-Factor Model personality traits and PA outcomes in adults aged ≥40 years and to explore trait-tailored interventions for this group.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were conducted through May 2025. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze eligible observational or intervention studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool Version 2018.

RESULTS

19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Extraversion was consistently linked to higher PA across age groups, while neuroticism exhibited negative associations primarily in middle and older adulthood. Conscientiousness demonstrated positive relationships that strengthened with age, and openness was associated with PA primarily during transitional life stages. Evidence for agreeableness remained inconclusive. Only 2 PA interventions incorporated personality traits, highlighting a critical research gap. These preliminary findings suggest that intervention efficacy may depend on traits, with a digital self-control program benefiting highly conscientious individuals and an exergaming program particularly motivating less extraverted participants.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Personality traits influence PA engagement in middle-aged and older adults, with relationships varying by trait and life stage. These findings provide a foundation for developing personality-informed interventions aimed at enhancing PA engagement in aging populations.