Social Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour as Key Determinants of Humour Expression and Loneliness in Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study Using Bayesian Variable Selection Approach

Objective Social isolation among older adults is a growing concern, partially owing to diminished social cognitive function. Physical activity can potentially enhance social cognitive function. This study focused on humour as an important facilitator of social interaction and examined how physical activity was associated with humour expression and loneliness. Methods This study included 5,213 Japanese older adults. We examined the associations between physical activity patterns (past and present exercise experiences, physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour), humour-related outcomes (humour styles and humour coping styles), and feelings of loneliness. All the measures were self-reported. We applied Bayesian sparse regression modelling and structural equation modelling (BSEM) to analyse these large sample datasets. Results Bayesian sparse regression models revealed that past and present sport/exercise experience with friends were associated with positive humour expressions. In contrast, sedentary behaviour was associated with a lower overall propensity for humour expression. BSEM indicated that exercise experiences with friends was associated with reduced feelings of loneliness, partially mediated by the utilisation of positive humour expressions. Conclusion These findings suggest the novel role of social physical activity in reducing loneliness among older adults through positive humour expression. Furthermore, reducing sedentary behaviours is important for maintaining humour expression.