title: Physical activity and quality of life in older adults: an 18-month panel analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although physical activity has been associated with quality of life (QOL), the empirical evidence regarding the mechanisms underlying this relationship is limited. In the present study, we examined the mediating roles played by self-efficacy and health status in the physical activity-QOL relationship from baseline to 18-month follow-up in a sample of community-dwelling older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community-dwelling adults (N = 321, M age = 63.8 years) were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study and were later contacted to participate in an 18-month follow-up. Individuals completed a battery of questionnaires assessing physical activity, self-efficacy, physical self-worth, disability limitations, and quality of life. A panel analysis within a covariance modeling framework was used to analyze the data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, the model was a good fit to the data (χ(2) = 61.00, df = 29, p < 0.001, standardized root mean residual = 0.05, Comparative Fit Index = 0.97) with changes in physical activity indirectly influencing change in life satisfaction from baseline to 18 months via changes in exercise self-efficacy, physical self-worth, and disability limitations independent of baseline relationships and demographic factors. Specifically, increases in physical activity were associated with increases in exercise self-efficacy which, in turn, was associated with higher physical self-worth and fewer disability limitations which were associated with greater life satisfaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings from this study suggest the relationship between physical activity and global QOL in older adults may be mediated by more proximal modifiable outcomes that can be targeted in physical activity programs and interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. smphillips19@gmail.com
authors.forename: Siobhan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Wójcicki
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McAuley
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires