Associations between physical activity and positive psychological well-being among U.S. Latino older adults

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20272809

Latinos, also referred as Hispanics, are the largest and one of the fastest growing minority group in the United States (U.S.). Unfortunately, Latinos are among the least likely to meet national recommendations for physical activity (Watson, 2016). Lack of physical activity is particularly problematic within its population of older adults, specifically over the age of 65 years (Elsawy & Higgins, 2010). Substantial evidence linking physical activity and well-being exists (Biddle, Fox, & Boutcher, 2003; McAuley et al., 2000; Penedo & Dahn, 2005; Seefeldt, 1986). Seligmans (2011) well-being theory, also known as the PERMA model, was applied to explore the association between physical activity and well-being among older Latino Americans. A secondary data analysis was completed on data generated from the International Resident Assessment Instrument (interRAI) assessment tools administered between 2010 and 2016. A sample of U.S. Latinos, age 60 years and over, was compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Physical activity was positively associated with positive psychological well-being despite of race or ethnicity. Pain, functional limitations, and physical restrictions did not moderate the relationship between physical activity and positive psychological well-being among Latinos and non-Hispanic Whites.