Abstract
The purpose of this study was to learn how physical activity, anxiety, resilience and engagement can influence optimism in older adults. An observational, quantitative, descriptive and transversal design was used with non-probabilistic sampling. A descriptive statistical analysis of the sample, Cronbach’s alpha test of internal consistency and linear correlation using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) were performed. In addition, a t-Student test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kolmogorov–Smirnov test of normality and Levene test of homogeneity, as well as a multivariate linear regression model, were conducted. Participants who had not engaged in physical activity showed an increased total anxiety and significantly greater decrease in concentration compared to those who had engaged in physical activity. The Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and resilience of participants who had not engaged in physical activity were significantly lower than those of the participants who had engaged in physical activity. Those with a partner showed significantly lower decreases in concentration compared to single women. Regarding UWES, the current scores and dedication of couples were significantly higher than singles, as for resilience. In addition, the levels of pessimism in participants living on the coast were significantly higher compared to those living inland; in addition, a greater number of days with less anxiety is seen in those who performed physical activity. A multivariate linear regression model, F(7, 349) = 30.6, p < 0.001, explained 38% of the variance of LOT-R; those attending a public center had a lower LOT-R than those who did not, and high values of anxiety were associated with low levels of LOT-R, while high values of resilience were associated with high values of LOT-R. The results from the study provide support for future programs for older adults, in order to be able to determine in a much more precise way the objectives of programs intended for users of this age group.
Highlights
Today, the study of human behaviour in sport is an issue that has received considerable attention and is becoming increasingly important in the development of sports stakeholders, for coaches, teachers and managers alike
In terms of the scales, anxiety and resilience showed significant effects such that higher values of anxiety were associated with lower levels of optimism, while higher values of resilience were associated with higher values in LOT-R, coinciding with the results described in the previous scientific literature [45,46] and indicating Vizoso’s findings [87] that optimism has predictive power over resilience, corroborating previous studies [35,36,37]
This work presented an important path in the study of the interrelationship between different psychological variables in this age group, with the many problems associated with it that, in one way or another, can impair the ability to develop a successful and positive aging process
Summary
The study of human behaviour in sport is an issue that has received considerable attention and is becoming increasingly important in the development of sports stakeholders, for coaches, teachers and managers alike. According to Gill et al [1], it is necessary to understand psychological aspects related to sport, including the scientific study of people and their behaviors in the context of sport and physical activity as well as the practical applications of such knowledge. Eime et al [2]. Directly linked sport engagement with physical health to an improvement in the psychological and social health of the individual. The frequent practice of moderate-intensity Physical Activity (PA) has always been regarded as healthy, but it was not until the 1970s that physical activity began to be considered beneficial for both. Public Health 2020, 17, 8284; doi:10.3390/ijerph17218284 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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