Cassandra R. Sparks *, Brad A. Meisner ** and Bradley W. Young *
(*) University of Ottawa, Canada
(**) Ryerson University, Canada
Citation
R. Sparks, C., A. Meisner, B., W. Young, B. (2013). Investigating general and self-expectations regarding aging in a physical activity context. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 44(1), 17-36. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2013.44.017
Abstract
Considering how low overall aging expectations constrain various other health-promoting behaviours in adults (Levy, 2003), we examined whether general aging expectations and aging self-expectations differentially influence physical activity (PA). In a cross-sectional design, 167 moderately physically active adults aged 45-74 years completed ERA-38 (Sarkisian, Hays, & Mangione, 2002) and GLTEQ (Godin & Shephard, 1985) surveys. Separate factor analyses examined the validity of general aging expectation (GAE) and aging self-expectation (ASE) items, and multivariate analyses examined their associations with PA. Results indicated the emergence of three GAE (Satisfaction/Contentment, Physical Function, Cognitive Function) and three ASE sub-factors (Functional Health, Social Health, Sexual Function). More active adults had higher Cognitive Function (p < .05) and Satisfaction/Contentment (p = .06) expectations than less active adults. Regression analyses by age group (45-54; 55-64; 65-74) showed Physical Function (β = .36) and Satisfaction/Contentment (β = .30) explained current PA only for 45-54 yearolds. Findings endorse and expand upon ERA-38 trends in the context of PA by showing that certain negative aging expectations constrain current weekly PA among adults.
Keywords: Adults, Age stereotypes, Aging expectations, Exercise, Physical activity