Staying physically active in old age: can prospective memory deficits be buffered by planning efforts?

Abstract

Background: Even if older adults have good intentions, health problems and cognitive deficits may be barriers for regular physical activity (PA). If the cognitive resource prospective memory (PM) is low, planning competencies may help translating intentions for PA into behavior. Method: Longitudinal data from 310 older adults (64+) with three measurement points (across 12 weeks) were analyzed. A mediated moderation model was estimated specifying the link between intentions and PA via planning (controlling for baseline characteristics). PM was introduced as moderator of this association. Findings: Planning significantly mediated the intentions-PA link. The moderation was also significant: Older adults with worse PM could buffer their deficits by increased planning efforts. Discussion: Particularly in older adults with decreasing cognitive capacities, planning strategies are important to stay active and healthy. Intervention studies for older adults should, therefore, target planning strategies and, additionally, consider training PM. Results are discussed by integrating research on health psychological theories and cognitive aging.