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1- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
2- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran. ,m.rostami@uok.ac.ir
2- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran. ,
Abstract: (29 Views)
Objectives: Aging is one of the most significant demographic phenomena of the twenty-first century, and identifying factors affecting the physical and mental health of older adults is crucial. This study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity, mental health, and cognitive abilities with the mediating role of perceived social support in older adults.
Materials and Methods: This correlational descriptive study with path analysis was conducted among older adults aged 60 years and above (Mean = 67.63, SD = 6.02) in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2024. Using a convenience sampling method, 280 participants were recruited. Data were collected using the Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Quality of Life Questionnaire (mental health domain), the Cognitive Abilities Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-24 and AMOS-24.
Results: Path analysis indicated that physical activity (Mean = 10.32, SD = 5.26) had significant direct effects on perceived social support (Mean = 40.87, SD = 11.33; β = 0.378, P < 0.001), cognitive abilities (Mean = 69.09, SD = 15.34; β = 0.351, P < 0.001), and mental health (Mean = 18.86, SD = 5.53; β = 0.189, P = 0.002). Cognitive abilities and mental health also had significant direct effects on perceived social support. Mediation analysis confirmed the significant mediating role of perceived social support in the relationships of cognitive abilities (β range = 0.061–0.453, 95% CI range [0.022– 0.573], P < 0.001) and mental health (β range = 0.054–0.153, 95% CI range [0.010–0.224], P < 0.001) with physical activity.
Conclusions: These findings confirm that strengthening perceived social support can serve as a key mediating pathway that enhances the impact of mental health and cognitive abilities on physical activity among older adults. Perceived social support plays an important mediating role in amplifying the effects of physical activity on mental health and cognitive functioning in this population. Accordingly, health-promotion programs and public health policies should simultaneously focus on fostering supportive social interactions and encouraging regular physical activity in order to improve the psychological well-being and cognitive performance of older adults.
Materials and Methods: This correlational descriptive study with path analysis was conducted among older adults aged 60 years and above (Mean = 67.63, SD = 6.02) in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2024. Using a convenience sampling method, 280 participants were recruited. Data were collected using the Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Quality of Life Questionnaire (mental health domain), the Cognitive Abilities Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-24 and AMOS-24.
Results: Path analysis indicated that physical activity (Mean = 10.32, SD = 5.26) had significant direct effects on perceived social support (Mean = 40.87, SD = 11.33; β = 0.378, P < 0.001), cognitive abilities (Mean = 69.09, SD = 15.34; β = 0.351, P < 0.001), and mental health (Mean = 18.86, SD = 5.53; β = 0.189, P = 0.002). Cognitive abilities and mental health also had significant direct effects on perceived social support. Mediation analysis confirmed the significant mediating role of perceived social support in the relationships of cognitive abilities (β range = 0.061–0.453, 95% CI range [0.022– 0.573], P < 0.001) and mental health (β range = 0.054–0.153, 95% CI range [0.010–0.224], P < 0.001) with physical activity.
Conclusions: These findings confirm that strengthening perceived social support can serve as a key mediating pathway that enhances the impact of mental health and cognitive abilities on physical activity among older adults. Perceived social support plays an important mediating role in amplifying the effects of physical activity on mental health and cognitive functioning in this population. Accordingly, health-promotion programs and public health policies should simultaneously focus on fostering supportive social interactions and encouraging regular physical activity in order to improve the psychological well-being and cognitive performance of older adults.
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