Physical activity improves self-confidence in older adults by strengthening social communication
Subject Areas : Sport PhysiologyMohadeseh Basiji 1 , Rahim Shirazinejad 2 , Ahmad Torkfar 3
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Keywords: Elderly, Physical Activity, Social Communication, Self-confidence,
Abstract :
Introduction: The present study aimed to model the relationship between physical activity level, social communication, and self-confidence in the elderly at medical universities in the south of Iran.
Methods: This study was descriptive-correlational and its statistical population consisted of elderly people over 60 years of age living in the southern provinces of the Iran (Fars, Bushehr, Hormozgan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, and Sistan and Baluchestan). The sample size was estimated at 384 people using the Krejcie and Morgan table and was selected using the convenience sampling method. The data collection tools included the standard physical activity questionnaire, the social communication questionnaire, and the self-confidence questionnaire. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics (including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics including Kolmogorov-Smirnov (data normality), KMO and Bartlett test, Pearson correlation, and linear regression tests were used in SPSS version 26 software, as well as structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least squares approach (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS version 4 software. The construct validity of the instruments was also confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Results: The findings showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the level of physical activity and social communication (P<0.001); such that increasing physical activity is associated with strengthening social communication. Also, a positive and significant relationship was observed between the level of physical activity and self-confidence (P<0.001), which indicates the positive effect of physical activity on the self-confidence of the elderly.
Conclusion: Present study confirms that physical activity not only has a positive effect directly on the self-confidence of the elderly, but also indirectly improves self-confidence by strengthening social communication. It is suggested that programs to promote physical activity of the elderly with an emphasis on group and interactive activities be designed and implemented in health-treatment centers and medical universities in the south of Iran.
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