Modeling the interactive development of sports services and the silver economy in aging societies

Background: Rapid population aging is reshaping preventive health priorities and the silver economy, yet the dynamic linkage between sports services and aging-related economic activity remains underexplored. Methods: Using multi-regional panel data, we constructed validated composite indices for sports services and the silver economy and estimated bidirectional dynamic relationships with system GMM, testing mediation via older adults' physical activity and moderation by aging intensity and health awareness. Results: Sports services development positively predicted subsequent silver economy growth, and silver economy expansion also fed back to strengthen sports services. Physical activity participation partially mediated the effect, while stronger impacts appeared in more aged and higher health-awareness contexts, with evidence of persistence and non-linearity. Conclusion: Sports services operate as a preventive health infrastructure that supports active aging and contributes to silver economy development through dynamic, behavior-linked feedback mechanisms.