Life satisfaction and perceived physical activity environment among older adults

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12820/rbafs.31e0447

Keywords:

Neighborhood characteristics, Physical exercise, Health of the elderly, Personal satisfaction

Abstract

Introduction: Due to functional limitations, the neighborhood is the primary location for physical activity for older adults; consequently, environmental perception may influence adherence and life satisfaction. Objective: To investigate the relationship between the perception of physical activity in the neighborhood context and life satisfaction among older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study using ELSI-Brazil data (2019-21). The association between life satisfaction (outcome) and neighborhood physical activity perception (exposure) was assessed, both self-reported. Analysis included descriptive and bivariate statistics, and Poisson regression (crude and adjusted) with 95% CI. Results: Of the 6,717 participants, 60% (95% CI: 52.4 - 67.2) reported high life satisfaction, and 67.4% (95% CI: 61.7 - 72.6) perceived the neighborhood as pleasant for physical activity. Higher satisfaction was associated with age 60-69, education ≥12 years, having a partner, higher income, absence of cognitive or depressive symptoms, never smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and being physically active. After adjusting for socioeconomic, clinical, and lifestyle variables, positive environmental perception increased the prevalence of life satisfaction by 21% (PR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.06 - 1.38). Conclusion: Neighborhoods that favor active mobility increase life satisfaction in older adults. Therefore, planning accessible urban spaces is an essential strategy to promote well-being and healthy aging.

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Published

08/05/2026

How to Cite

1.
Silva NC da, Rampinelli VPC, Rocha BV da, Schneider IJC. Life satisfaction and perceived physical activity environment among older adults. Rev. Bras. Ativ. Fís. Saúde [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 5 [cited 2026 Aug. 8];31:1-15. Available from: https://rbafs.org.br/RBAFS/article/view/15622

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Vol. 31 (2026)

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Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Nicolle Castilho da Silva, Vanessa Pereira Corrêa Rampinelli, Bruna Vanti da Rocha, Ione Jayce Ceola Schneider

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