The Effects of Physical Activity on Life Satisfaction: Sequential Mediation by Fear of Falling and Sleep Quality in Senior College Participants

Purpose: This study empirically examines the complex pathways through which participation in a senior college physical activity program influences life satisfaction via sequential mediators—fear of falling and sleep quality—thereby illuminating the effectiveness of integrative physical, psychological, and physiological interventions.<br/> Method: A survey was conducted in 2024 with 345 senior college participants aged 60 years and older.<br/>Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), fear of falling was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale–International (FES-I), sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and life satisfaction was assessed using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS to assess reliability (Cronbach’s α) and to examine direct, indirect, and double-mediation effects through structural equation modeling (SEM).<br/> Results: First, physical activity reduced fear of falling and improved sleep quality, thereby enhancing life satisfaction. Second, physical activity had positive mediating effects on life satisfaction by reducing fear of falling and improving sleep quality, whereas fear of falling negatively mediated this relationship by impairing sleep quality. Third, a complex double mediation pathway was confirmed, in which physical activity sequentially mediated life satisfaction by first reducing fear of falling and then improving sleep quality.<br/> Conclusion: These findings provide both theoretical and practical evidence that physical activity enhances life satisfaction in older adults through a sequential process involving psychological safety restoration and physiological recovery (sleep) in older adults. Based on these results, senior health promotion programs should integrate strength and balance training with fall prevention education and sleep hygiene interventions to maximize their benefits.