Role of physical activity in the relationship between mastery and functional health.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the influence of mastery, physical activity levels, and subsequent trajectories of domains of functional health across the adult life course.


METHODS
We examined 8-year trajectories of physical functioning (handgrip strength) and functional health (physical [RAND PHC12], psychological [RAND MHC12], and cognitive [processing speed]) in a large Australian sample (n = 7,485 at baseline) of 3 cohorts (20-24, 40-44, and 60-64 years). Within- and between-person indirect effects of physical activity on the relationship between mastery and health were examined using multilevel structural equation models.


RESULTS
Mastery was positively related to within-person change in physical and psychological health for all cohorts, and processing speed for the 60s. Between-person mastery was positively associated with all health domains across all cohorts. Physical activity indirectly influenced the between-person relationships between mastery and handgrip strength, physical health, and psychological health in all cohorts, and between mastery and processing speed for the 60s.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychological resources are important mechanisms for functional health as they may drive adaptive behaviors such as physical activity. The within-person association connecting mastery with physical and psychological health trajectories provides promise for interventions that foster or improve a sense of mastery. The findings contribute to the understanding of complex relationships between personal resources and behaviors that aid in successful aging across the life span.
Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. kerry.sargent-cox@anu.edu.au.
Kerry A
KA
Sargent-Cox
Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Peter
P
Butterworth
Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Kaarin J
KJ
Anstey
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001315:Australia; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010551:Personality; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological
Exercise; Health; Successful aging