Impact of interpersonal relationships on the activity

Strong interpersonal relationships can help adults remain in the higher age to be physically active. A realization with far-reaching implications – in particular in times of Physical Distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the current investigation, the research team Chevelle Davis of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, it was found that a strong relationship with older people can stay help you to be physically active, which has a positive effect on the overall health. The results of the study were published in the English journal “Journal of Aging and Physical Activity”.

Relationships motivate people stay physically active to

Relationships are the key to influencing a positive health behavior, what should be the Physical Distancing due to the COVID-19-pandemic into account. Individual and interpersonal factors have the greatest influence on the compliance with the guidelines for physical activity, report the researchers. It turns out that study participants with a higher level of education, a strong relationship with a life partner or a network of close friends significantly more often were ready to move in regular physical activity.

How can meet older people guidelines for physical activity easier?

The research group wanted to better understand how the degree of physical activity of adults by other aspects of your life is affected. For that were evaluated in the study, the data of 1.193 adults aged 65 to 74 years. The researchers find out how individual, interpersonal, organizational, and community factors influence whether older people met the guidelines for physical activity (attempted thereby defined as 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week).

Social Isolation promotes health problems

In the course of the COVID-19-pandemic, it is essential not to forget the importance of social relationships and the maintenance of physical activity to reduce chronic diseases and premature deaths, the Team explains. Older adults who feel socially isolated, have a higher risk for depression, cognitive decline and other health impairments. Innovative ways must be identified to interpersonal connectedness and physical activity to maintain and at the same time respecting the guidelines of the public health, add the researchers.

People with depression tend to have less physical activity

It is important that women tended to take, as well as all of the participants with depression less likely to engage in regular physical activity. The challenges in the area of mental health will increase in this time, probably, but the simple go walking, is generally safe for most older adults is acceptable, proven to protect against depression symptoms. Walks in Parks are also allowed in times of Corona.

Relationships: the key to influencing positive health behavior

The results of the study show that relationships can be the key to influencing a positive health behaviour, including physical activity. These results are consistent with other studies, which have already demonstrated the importance of relationships in the aging process in different cultures. It is to be hoped that health care approaches and interventions can be derived, which are specifically aimed at older adults, to keep them in times of COVID-19 pandemic and, in addition, a healthy, stress the researchers. (as)