Latent profiles of social support as predictors of physical activity in older adults: A person-centered approach using evidence from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Project Summary

Physical activity (PA) and social connection are key to healthy aging, yet PA declines with age. Social connection can support PA engagement, and PA often occurs in social contexts. However, social connection is multidimensional, including concepts such as network size, social participation, and social support, and it is unclear which aspects of social connection are important to foster to promote PA. Recent findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging show that while some social connection variables predict PA, others are inconsistent. Using a statistical technique that allows us to identify meaningful patterns of variables, we will identify social connection profiles among older adults and examine whether they predict changes in PA over time. Findings will inform tailored interventions to promote PA and social well-being in aging populations.