How does social support from family and friends relate to regular physical activity?

Social support from family and friends is positively related to regular physical activity. This relationship suggests that having encouraging and motivating social contacts can lead individuals, particularly seniors, to engage more frequently in physical activities. Research shows that when individuals have a support system, they are more likely to participate in exercise routines and adhere to them over time.

Social support can come in many forms, such as encouragement, companionship during workouts, shared goals, or assistance in overcoming obstacles related to physical activity. This support helps to increase self-efficacy and maintain motivation, making it easier for individuals to initiate and sustain an active lifestyle. This is particularly important for seniors, who might face various challenges in maintaining physical activity levels, such as physical limitations or social isolation.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the evidence supporting the importance of social networks in promoting regular physical activity among different age groups. For instance, a negative relationship would imply that social support detracts from activity levels, which contradicts substantial research findings. Similarly, the notion that social support has no relationship with physical activity diminishes the significant impact that relationships have on lifestyle choices. Finally, suggesting that social support is only relevant for younger adults overlooks how crucial it is for seniors, who often benefit from the encouragement