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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Eugene TangORCiD
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© 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
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
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