Work

Age-related differences in social ecosystems of physical activity in African American women.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The present study examined how social ecosystems affect health behaviors among African American women during middle to older adulthood. Specifically, this study compared the effects of social support from friends, social support from family, and neighborhood social life on accelerometry-assessed moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) across 24-months and whether effects were moderated by age among African American women (> 40 years). METHOD: = 213, Age = 58.97 ± 11.26, Body Mass Index = 32.8 ± 8.1) enrolled in the Positive Action for Today's Health trial. MVPA was assessed using 7-day accelerometry-estimates and psychosocial data related to social ecosystems were collected at baseline, 12-, 18-, and 24-months. RESULTS: = .003), which was not moderated by age. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the importance of considering a lifespan approach when developing interventions for African American women that address changes in the social ecosystems from middle to older age. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Health Psychology

DOI: 10.1037/hea0001580

Authors: Allison M. Sweeney, Dawn K. Wilson, Robert M. Kaplan

Institutions: University of South Carolina, Stanford Medicine, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Physical Activity and Health

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases