Social network characteristics associated with mid-to-older aged adults’ co-engagement in physical activity

Anderson, M. et al. (2025) Social network characteristics associated with mid-to-older aged adults’ co-engagement in physical activity.PLoS ONE, 20(5), e0319981. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319981) (PMID:40333665) (PMCID:PMC12057854)

Abstract

Objectives: Physical activity is associated with a greater quantity and quality of social connections. Participating in physical activity with others (co-engagement) has dual physical and social benefits that can promote healthy ageing. We aimed to understand the social network characteristics of mid-to-older aged adults associated with co-engagement in physical activity. Methods: Adults aged 55–75 years completed a social network survey (3679 social contacts reported by 140 participants). Multilevel modelling was used to identify the characteristics of participants, social contacts, and relationships that were predictive of co-engagement in physical activity. Results: Network size and relationship quality were not associated with co-engagement. Similarity in age, greater interaction frequency, closer geographic proximity, and shorter relationship length were associated with higher odds of co-engagement. Discussion: For co-engagement, the quality and quantity of relationships were less important than the convenience and accessibility of relationships, particularly newer relationships. As such, co-engagement ties can be understood as part of a dynamic social convoy which fulfil a specific function at a specific life stage. An understanding of naturally occurring tendencies for co-engagement may be utilised to identify leverage points for the development of interventions.

Item Type:	Articles
Status:	Published
Refereed:	Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:	Long, Dr Emily and Olsen, Dr Jonathan and MacDonald, Dr Abi and McCann, Dr Mark and Moore, Professor Laurence and Letina, Dr Srebrenka and Milicev, Jelena and Dibben-Santillan, Dr Grace and Rigby, Dr Benjamin and Mitchell, Professor Kirstin and Thomson, Dr Meigan and Simpson, Professor Sharon and Palmer, Dr Victoria and Anderson, Mr Martin
Authors:	Anderson, M., Letina, S., McCann, M., Milicev, J., Dibben, G., MacDonald, A., Mitchell, K., Moore, L., Olsen, J. R., Palmer, V. J., Rigby, B. P., Simpson, S. A., Thomson, M., and Long, E.
College/School:	College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:	PLoS ONE
Publisher:	Public Library of Science
ISSN:	1932-6203
ISSN (Online):	1932-6203
Copyright Holders:	Copyright © 2025 Anderson et al.
First Published:	First published in PLoS ONE 20(5):e0319981
Publisher Policy:	Reproduced under a Creative Commons license
Data DOI:	10.6084/m9.figshare.27275730.v1

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Funder and Project Information

Complexity in health

Sharon Simpson

MC_UU_00022/1