Physical exercise buffers increasing dissatisfaction with aging: A randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

With increasing age, people appear to develop a more negative view of their aging which is accompanied with less health behavior and a worse health status. We examined whether newly engaging in physical exercise can counteract aging dissatisfaction. Further, we studied the underlying motivational processes.247 women aged 70-93 years were randomized either to a 6-month 3-day/wk exercise course (n=86), an active (n=85), i.e., a computer course with equal duration and frequency, or a passive control group (n=76).The exercise group showed less aging dissatisfaction as opposed to both the active and the passive control group, F(2,225)=5.39, p=.005. Moreover, the buffering effect of exercise on aging dissatisfaction was mediated through a high direct approach orientation which implies a focus on immediate positive emotions, B=-0.31, 95% CI=-0.68 to -0.05.Exercise participation in old age holds the potential to overcome subjective ageist bias through an enhanced orientation on proximal emotional gains.