Association of Regular Leisure-Time Physical Activity with Happiness among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Taiwan

Chyi Liang,Po-Fu Lee,Pei-Ling Wu,Chien-Chang Ho

doi:10.3390/ijerph18158175

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between regular LTPA (i.e., 150–300 min of moderate-intensity or 75–150 min of high-intensity physical activity) and happiness among middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan. The cross-sectional study data were obtained from the Taiwan National Physical Activity Survey, a nationally representative survey of the Taiwanese population. A total of 12,687 middle-aged and older adults (45–108 years) were ultimately enrolled in this study. The questionnaire data obtained through this national telephone survey included sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported health status, self-evaluations (comprising height, body weight, and happiness), and zip code of residence. The results suggest a significant positive relationship between regular LTPA and happiness scores; that is, the middle-aged adults who engaged in more LTPA may report higher happiness occurrence than others. This study suggests that regular LTPA is an essential factor influencing happiness. LTPA is an essential form of physical activity that helps middle-aged and older people to relax.

Highlights

Of the participants, >20% were assigned to the regular Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) group
Compared with the nonregular LTPA group, the regular LTPA group had a higher proportion of men
This study explored the association of regular LTPA with happiness among 12,687 middleaged and older adults in Taiwan

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Happiness is a subjective mental state characterized by feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction, and it reflects the overall subjective well-being of an individual [1]. In several countries such as Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, improvements in people’s overall happiness level are regarded as a sign of national progress [2,3]. Happiness has positive effects on the long-term quality of relationships [4,5] and social interactions [6]

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Discussion

Conclusion