Mental Well-being is an Important Resource for Physical Activity
Study from the University of Jyväskylä
Recent research has demonstrated a link between positive emotions and levels of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with a more positive outlook were more likely to stay active or even increase their activity levels, while depressive emotions were associated with decreased activity. This indicates that mental well-being may support a physically active lifestyle, creating a beneficial cycle between the two.
A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä’s Gerontology Research Center and Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences in Finland found that most individuals aged 60 to 88 maintained or increased their physical activity during COVID-19 restrictions. Participants who reported higher levels of positive emotions were more active and more likely to boost their activity during these times.
Interestingly, the association between positive emotions and physical activity was more pronounced in individuals around the age of 60 compared to those over 70.
“While Finland didn’t impose a curfew,” explains Tiina Savikangas, postdoctoral researcher, “older participants faced stricter restrictions than working-age individuals, which might have lessened the impact of positive mental well-being on physical activity.”
Previously, research has consistently shown that physical activity enhances mental well-being. However, recent findings suggest a reciprocal relationship where mental well-being also promotes physical activity. This creates a beneficial cycle between mental and physical health.
“Supporting mental well-being is crucial for maintaining a physically active lifestyle, even during societal emergencies,” says Savikangas. “Efforts should focus not just on preventing depressive feelings but also on fostering positivity.”
The study further revealed a significant relationship between depressive emotions and lower physical activity, particularly among participants over 70. These findings suggest that different aspects of mental well-being have varying impacts on physical activity across different ages.
Interestingly, no direct link was found between negative emotions and physical activity once depressive emotions were accounted for. Depressive emotions encompass symptoms beyond negative feelings, such as insomnia and appetite loss, presenting a broader risk factor for low physical activity than negative emotions alone.
Mental Well-being is an Important Resource for Physical Activity
This research is part of the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development (JYLS) and the Promoting Safe Walking Among Older Adults study. The JYLS study, focusing on individuals navigating life transitions at age 60, involved 162 participants aged 60 to 61 responding to surveys on physical activity during the pandemic.
The study involved 272 participants aged 72 to 88, who responded to postal surveys during the same period. Factors such as gender, marital status, education, employment, health perception, usual physical activity levels, and age in the older cohort were considered.
The studies, led by Katja Kokko (JYLS) and Sarianna Sipilä, were funded by the Academy of Finland. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining mental well-being to support a physically active lifestyle, highlighting the interdependence of mental and physical health.
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