The impact of internet use on physical activity among Chinese older women: the mediating role of social support and intrinsic motivation.

Abstract

Internet use has brought tremendous convenience to the lives of older women. Although previous studies have examined the association between internet use and physical activity among older adults, empirical research on the psychosocial pathways linking internet use to physical activity among older women remains limited. To bridge this gap, this study examined the mediating roles of social support and intrinsic motivation in the association between internet use and physical activity among older women. A total of 976 older women from 10 provinces in China completed a structured questionnaire. This study used correlation analysis and multiple linear regression to examine the association between internet use and physical activity. The SPSS PROCESS macro was employed to test the mediating roles of social support and intrinsic motivation in this association. The results indicated that social support and intrinsic motivation mediate the association between internet use and physical activity among older women. Moreover, social support and intrinsic motivation sequentially mediate this association. The study concludes that internet use was associated with physical activity through social support and intrinsic motivation. These findings suggest that social support and intrinsic motivation may be important psychosocial pathways linking internet use to physical activity. Supporting appropriate internet use and digital engagement among older women may help promote physical activity and support healthy aging. Digital or remote physical activity programs for older women should incorporate social support and motivational elements. Such strategies may have indirect implications for musculoskeletal health promotion in later life.