Propósito de vida de idosos está associado a atividade física vigorosa

Introduction: This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between purpose in life and physical activity levels in a sample of 114 older adults of both sexes, with a mean age of 70.9 years, of whom 79.8% were women. Objective: To analyze the association between purpose in life and physical activity intensities in older adults, using quantile regression to explore differences in perceptions of purpose in life concerning specific physical activity levels. Methodology: Participants were assessed for purpose in life and categorized based on physical activity recommendations (75 minutes of vigorous activity and 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week). Quantile regression was applied to examine how different physical activity intensities are associated with perceptions of purpose in life. Results: Older adults who did not reach 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity had significantly lower purpose in life scores, with more pronounced impacts on low (β = -0.54) and moderate (β = -0.49) perceptions of purpose in life, and a less marked effect on high purpose in life (β = -0.39). Similarly, those who did not achieve 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity also exhibited lower purpose in life scores (β = -0.21). Discussion: The results highlight the role of vigorous physical activity in maintaining purpose in life, demonstrating its benefits for psychological well-being and active aging. Conclusions: This study suggests that not engaging in 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity is associated with a reduced perception of purpose in life in older adults.