Journal of Aging Science

Abstract

Goal Content for the Practice of Physical Activity

Raul de Sousa Nogueira Antunes, Nuno Couto, Diogo Monteiro, João Moutão, Daniel Marinho and Luis Cid

Goal content, represented by intrinsic and extrinsic goals, regulates motivation. The present study was undertaken to analyze the impact of goal content leading to physical activity in older adults (60 to 90 years), on the subjective well-being variables and to evaluate the differences between such variables according to the physical activity level practiced. Structural equation models (SEM) constituted by the principles of both regression and factorial analysis was used for analyzing the data obtained from The Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ), The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-short form). A substantial positive effect of extrinsic goal content on satisfaction with life (β.24) and negative affect (β.27) and a substantial positive effect of intrinsic objectives on positive affect (β.35) were observed. Health (6.03 ± 0.74) was the most important motive whereas social recognition (3.77 ± 1.36) was the least important one. Individuals with higher physical activity had greater positive effect and satisfaction with life and lower levels of negative affect. This study is of significance in comprehending the role of physical activity and well-being among older adults.