Extraversion and physical activity in older adults: a structural equation model with serial mediators of loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction

Abstract

Extraversion is one of the most robust personality correlates of physical activity. However, the mechanisms linking extraversion to physical activity in later life remain insufficiently understood. Loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction may represent important pathways linking extraversion and physical activity behaviors among older adults. To address this gap, the current study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine whether loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction mediated the association between extraversion and physical activity. Data were drawn from 4,392 U.S. older adults ( M age = 69.61 years, SD = 10.10) who participated in the 2022 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction were examined as potential mediators, with anxiety and life satisfaction additionally tested as serial mediators of the association between extraversion and physical activity. Extraversion was significantly associated with physical activity among older adults. Life satisfaction and anxiety significantly mediated this association, whereas loneliness alone did not exert a significant mediating effect. In addition, a significant serial mediation effect was found through anxiety and life satisfaction, suggesting that the association between extraversion and physical activity may involve interconnected emotional and cognitive processes. This study extends the literature by identifying anxiety and life satisfaction as important psychological pathways linking extraversion to physical activity among older adults. The findings highlight potential targets for promoting active aging and healthy lifestyles in later life.