Correlates of Self-Regulation for Physical Activity Among Older Adults

Objectives: To examine correlates of self-regulation (personal regulation of goal-directed behavior or performance) for physical activity (PA) in older adults. Methods: A convenience sample (N=296) of older adults was surveyed (M age=70.4 years). Results: Hierarchical regression analyses revealed current PA engagement and sets of sociodemographic, health-related, and theoretical variables as independent correlates of self-regulation (model R ² = 37, P <0.0001). In the final model, female gender, older age, social support, self-efficacy, and greater PA were positive, independent correlates. Conclusions: Self-regulatory strategies are vital to PA promotion across the life span. Therefore, it is important to understand factors associated with self-regulation and use this information for intervention design and implementation.