Individual and structural conversion factors are significantly associated with perceived capabilities for an active lifestyle in older men, and higher capabilities are positively related to higher actual physical activity levels, supporting the application of the capability approach in physical activity promotion.
Key Findings
Results
Individual conversion factors (e.g., individual barriers, self-efficacy) were significantly and negatively associated with perceived capabilities for an active lifestyle among older men.
The association between individual factors and capabilities was r = -.38 with an effect size of f2 = .17
This represents a moderate effect size according to conventional benchmarks
Sample consisted of men aged 50 and older in a community setting (N = 316)
Data were collected via cross-sectional survey and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)
Results
Structural conversion factors (e.g., structural barriers, neighborhood environment) were significantly and negatively associated with perceived capabilities for an active lifestyle.
The association between structural factors and capabilities was r = -.26 with an effect size of f2 = .07
This represents a small-to-moderate effect size
Structural factors included structural barriers and a supportive neighborhood environment
Together, individual and structural factors explained 28% of the variance in perceived capabilities (R2 = .28)
Results
Higher perceived capabilities for an active lifestyle were positively associated with higher actual physical activity levels.
The association between capabilities and actual physical activity was r = .32 with an effect size of f2 = .12
However, explanatory power for actual physical activity behavior was modest (R2 = .10)
This indicates that perceived capabilities account for only 10% of the variance in actual physical activity behavior
The modest R2 suggests other unmeasured factors also play a role in physical activity behavior
Results
Social conversion factors (social support from family and friends) were not retained in the final model.
Social support from family and friends was tested as a potential conversion factor
Social factors did not demonstrate sufficient association with capabilities or physical activity to be retained
This finding was notable given that social support is frequently highlighted in physical activity promotion literature
The authors note this as a group-specific finding relevant to older men as a target population
Results
The estimated PLS-SEM model demonstrated good out-of-sample predictive power and superior fit compared with alternative model specifications.
Alternative model specifications were compared to evaluate model fit
Both explanatory power (R2) and predictive power were evaluated as model quality criteria
The capability approach-based model outperformed alternative specifications
Cross-sectional design limits causal inference
Background
The study applied the capability approach as a theoretical framework to investigate physical activity among older men, a group described as underrepresented in physical activity promotion research.
The capability approach focuses on individuals' freedoms to achieve desired outcomes rather than behavioral outcomes alone
Empirical application of the capability approach in physical activity promotion is described as limited in the existing literature
The study targeted men aged 50 and older in a community setting
The authors argue that fostering equitable capabilities for an active lifestyle 'can be considered as a success in itself,' independent of behavioral outcomes
What This Means
This research suggests that an older man's sense of freedom and ability to live an active lifestyle — what researchers call 'capabilities' — is shaped by both personal factors (like self-confidence and perceived personal barriers) and structural factors (like barriers in the environment and neighborhood support). A study of 316 men aged 50 and older found that when these individual and structural factors are unfavorable, men tend to feel less capable of being physically active. In turn, feeling more capable was linked to actually being more physically active. Interestingly, social support from family and friends did not end up playing a significant role in the final statistical model for this group, which may reflect something specific about older men's relationship with social influences on physical activity.
The study used a theoretical lens called the 'capability approach,' which shifts the focus from simply counting how much exercise people do, to asking whether people genuinely have the freedom and opportunity to be active in the first place. This research suggests that physical activity programs should not only aim to get people moving more, but should also address the personal and environmental obstacles that limit people's sense of ability to be active at all. The researchers argue that helping people feel equally capable of being active — regardless of their personal circumstances — is itself a meaningful goal for public health.
A key practical takeaway is that one-size-fits-all physical activity programs may miss important barriers specific to older men. Interventions that address both personal obstacles (such as low confidence or health concerns) and structural obstacles (such as inaccessible facilities or unsafe neighborhoods) together may be more effective than those focusing on just one dimension. The study also highlights that older men are underrepresented in physical activity promotion research, pointing to a need for more targeted approaches for this group.
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Schuck T, Loss J, Tittlbach S. (2026). The interplay of influencing factors in physical activity promotion for older men: insights through the capability approach.. BMC public health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-29091-5