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Social network characteristics associated with mid-to-older aged adults' co-engagement in physical activity

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Benjamin RigbyORCiD

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Abstract

Objectives: Physical activity is associated with a greater quantity and quality of social connections. Participating in physical activity with others (co-engagement) has dual physical and social benefits that can promote healthy ageing. We aimed to understand the social network characteristics of mid-to-older aged adults associated with co-engagement in physical activity. Methods: Adults aged 55–75 years completed a social network survey (3679 social contacts reported by 140 participants). Multilevel modelling was used to identify the characteristics of participants, social contacts, and relationships that were predictive of co-engagement in physical activity. Results: Network size and relationship quality were not associated with co-engagement. Similarity in age, greater interaction frequency, closer geographic proximity, and shorter relationship length were associated with higher odds of co-engagement. Discussion: For co-engagement, the quality and quantity of relationships were less important than the convenience and accessibility of relationships, particularly newer relationships. As such, co-engagement ties can be understood as part of a dynamic social convoy which fulfil a specific function at a specific life stage. An understanding of naturally occurring tendencies for co-engagement may be utilised to identify leverage points for the development of interventions.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Anderson M, Letina S, McCann M, Milicev J, Dibben G, MacDonald A, Mitchell K, Moore L, Olsen JR, Palmer VJ, Rigby BP, Simpson SA, Thomson M, Long E

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: PLoS ONE

Year: 2025

Volume: 20

Issue: 5

Online publication date: 07/05/2025

Acceptance date: 11/02/2025

Date deposited: 23/05/2025

ISSN (electronic): 1932-6203

Publisher: Public Library of Science

URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319981

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319981

Data Access Statement: All CSV and R files are available from the figshare database (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.27275730.v1)

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