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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Eugene TangORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2026 Elsevier B.V.Objective: This study investigated, among middle-aged and older individuals with multimorbidity, the cross-sectional and four-year associations of Awareness of Age-Related Gains and Losses (AARC-Gains, AARC-Losses) with physical activity and whether depressive symptoms mediate these associations. Methods: The study used UK PROTECT data collected in 2019 and 2021. Measures used included the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors, the Awareness of Age-Related Change questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions and structural equation modeling were used. Results: The cross-sectional and longitudinal sample comprised 4947 (mean age= 67.5, 73.3% female) and 1814 individuals, respectively. Cross-sectionally, higher AARC-Gains were associated with greater number (β= 0.13, 95% CI [0.10, 0.16]), duration (β= 0.12, 95% CI [0.09, 0.15]), and intensity (β= 0.12, 95% CI [0.09, 0.15]) of physical activity. Lower AARC-Losses were associated with higher number (β= -0.19, 95% CI [-0.22, -0.16]), duration (β= -0.20, 95% CI [-0.23, -0.16]), and intensity (β= -0.21, 95% CI [-0.24, -0.18]) of physical activity. Longitudinally, higher baseline AARC-Losses were associated with lower number (β= -0.05, 95% CI [-0.07, -0.03]), duration (β= -0.05, 95% CI [-0.08, -0.02]), and intensity (β= -0.06, 95% CI [-0.08, -0.04]) of physical activity at follow-up. Depressive symptoms partially mediated these associations. AARC-Gains showed inconsistent or non-significant associations with physical activity. Conclusions: Perceiving many age-related losses may hinder engagement in physical activity directly and indirectly through depressive symptoms. Interventions promoting physical activity among individuals with multimorbidity may benefit from strategies that reframe negative self-perceptions of aging and address depressive symptoms, complementing clinical recommendations.
Author(s): Mezza F, Tang E, Lemmo D, Freda MF, Mataro M, Stephan BCM, Corbett A, Ballard C, Creese B, Aarsland D, Hampshire A, Palmer A, Sabatini S
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Year: 2026
Volume: 148
Print publication date: 01/09/2026
Online publication date: 13/05/2026
Acceptance date: 25/04/2026
Date deposited: 25/06/2026
ISSN (print): 0167-4943
ISSN (electronic): 1872-6976
Publisher: Elsevier Ireland Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2026.106273
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2026.106273
Data Access Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are not publicly available due to UK PROTECT data being available only after having received approval from the UK PROTECT steering committee and having paid a data access fee. To request access to UK PROTECT data please email protect.data @exeter.ac.uk
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