The Role of Community Sports Activities in Fostering Social Integration Among Elderly Individuals

Abstract Background Aging populations face elevated risks of social isolation and diminished well-being. Community sports activities have potential to strengthen social networks and enhance participation, yet the mechanisms driving these benefits among older adults remain underexplored. Methods We deployed a cross-sectional survey of 482 community-dwelling seniors in Anhui Province, China. Social integration was measured via a validated 12-item scale covering interaction, support, belonging, and participation. Sports involvement was quantified by frequency, intensity, type, and duration. Psychological mediators (self-efficacy, emotional well-being, social capital) and moderators (age, health status; facility availability, community culture) were assessed. Structural equation modeling tested direct, mediating, and moderating paths. Results Community sports participation showed a significant positive association with social integration (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Self-efficacy (β = 0.28) and social capital (β = 0.33) emerged as robust mediators (both p < 0.01), whereas emotional well-being's mediating effect was smaller (β = 0.12, p = 0.08). Age and self-rated health status amplified the main effect (interaction p < 0.05), while facility availability and community culture did not significantly moderate outcomes. Conclusions Our findings elucidate how community sports foster social integration among the elderly via psychological pathways, especially self-efficacy and social capital. Program designers should tailor activities to bolster these mediators, with special attention to older or less-healthy participants. Future longitudinal research is warranted to capture dynamic changes over time. Key messages • Community sports participation markedly enhances social integration among older adults by strengthening networks and reducing isolation. • Self-efficacy and social capital mediate the effect of sports activities on elderly social outcomes, guiding targeted design of inclusive programmes.