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Predictors of Change in Satisfaction with Body Appearance and Body Function in Mid-Life and Older Adults: Active for Life®

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

Body satisfaction has not been well studied among mid-life and older adults despite age-related changes in body appearance and function.

Purpose

The objective of this study is to examine predictors of change in body appearance satisfaction and body function satisfaction in an adult sample (n = 1,839; mean age = 69).

Methods

Participants took part in a physical activity behavior change program. Simultaneous regression analyses examined predictors of change in body function satisfaction and body appearance satisfaction.

Results

Greater improvements in body function satisfaction were associated with being younger and white, better baseline health ratings, greater reductions in body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms, and greater increases in physical activity. Greater improvements in body appearance satisfaction were associated with being white, obtaining a college degree, greater reductions in BMI and depressive symptoms, and greater increases in physical activity.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the importance of physical activity in enhancing body satisfaction in mid-life and older adults. Future research aimed to better understand effective methods for increasing physical activity remains essential.

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Acknowledgments

Active for Life® was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. We would like to gratefully acknowledge the participants of this study, whose time and willingness made this study possible. We also thank the efforts of each Active for Life® grantee site and their staff: Berkeley Public Health Department, Blue Shield of California, Church Health Center, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Greater Detroit Area Health Council, Hamilton County Public Health, Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington, The OASIS Institute (St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and San Antonio locations), San Mateo County Health Department and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

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Correspondence to Michelle Renée Umstattd PhD, CHES.

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Source of Support: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

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Umstattd, M.R., Wilcox, S. & Dowda, M. Predictors of Change in Satisfaction with Body Appearance and Body Function in Mid-Life and Older Adults: Active for Life®. ann. behav. med. 41, 342–352 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9247-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9247-8

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