Mental Well-Being: According to a recent study, the tendency to experience positive affectivity contributed to people being physically active or even increasing their activity during the COVID-19 restrictions. In contrast, depressive feelings were linked to lower physical activity. The results suggest that mental well-being can help maintain a physically active lifestyle. Mental well-being and physical activity may thus form a positive cycle.

In a study conducted at the Gerontology Research Center and the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, it was found that most men and women aged 60 to 88 either maintained or even increased their level of physical activity during the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who experienced more positive affectivity had higher physical activity levels and were more likely to increase their activity during the restrictions.

"It was interesting to observe that the link between positive affectivity and physical activity was more consistent in individuals around the age of 60 than in those over 70,” says postdoctoral researcher Tiina Savikangas.

“In Finland, no curfew was declared but the older participants faced stricter restrictions compared to working-age individuals, which may have reduced the role of positive mental well-being on physical activity."

Previous research evidence has shown that physical activity contributes to mental well-being. However, recent findings suggest that mental well-being can also help maintain a physically active lifestyle. Mental well-being and physical activity may thus form a positive cycle.

"Mental well-being is an important resource for physical activity.”

“Those who have such resources are more likely to stay active, even during exceptional circumstances", Savikangas notes.

The study also found that experiencing depressive feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with lower levels of physical activity and a higher likelihood of reducing activity. The link between depressive feelings and lower physical activity was particularly pronounced among participants over 70. The findings suggest that different aspects of mental well-being may have varying significance for physical activity at different ages.

"Supporting mental well-being is crucial for promoting a physically active lifestyle, even in societal emergencies,” Savikangas explains.

“However, the focus should not only be on preventing depressive feelings but also on strengthening the positive side of mental well-being."

The study found no connection between experiencing negative affectivity and physical activity when depressive feelings were considered. The experience of depressive feelings can include other symptoms besides negative affectivity, such as insomnia and loss of appetite. Therefore, depressive feelings may be a more comprehensive risk factor for low physical activity than negative affectivity alone.