Unveiling the Drivers of Physical Activity Among Community-Based Older Adults in Beijing: A Path Analysis

This study seeks to identify pivotal determinants and model pathways that influence the physical activity levels (PAL) of older adults residing in community settings. A total of 770 valid responses were collected. The relationship between physical activity and variables was examined using ordered logistic regression, and a structural equation model was developed to identify influencing pathways. Our findings revealed that a substantial proportion of community-dwelling older adults had low PAL. Exercise support, motivation, and knowledge directly influenced PAL. Meanwhile, exercise self-efficacy, support, and knowledge indirectly affected motivation, with self-efficacy further mediated by support and knowledge, highlighting the nuanced role of exercise risk awareness. The findings emphasize motivation’s central role and highlight the multidimensional pathways through which psychological and social factors interact to influence elderly physical activity patterns. These insights suggest comprehensive intervention strategies should simultaneously address motivational mechanisms, social support systems, and knowledge enhancement to promote active aging. Trial registration: Approved by the Ethics and Human and Animal Protection Committee of the School of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Peking University. Approval Number: 20190804. Approval Date:26 ^th , Aug, 2019.