Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4277-2451

Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Ryan Best

Committee Member

Nicholas Turiano

Committee Member

Amy Fiske

Abstract

Cognitive decline has become a growing public health concern with the increase in aging populations throughout the world. As Physical Activity has shown to be one of the key factors in maintaining and enhancing cognitive health in older adults, this study explores the psychological mechanisms that might underlie this relationship. Using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, the analyses examine whether Purpose in Life mediates the relationship between Physical Activity and both cognitive abilities—Episodic Memory and Executive Functioning, whether age strengthens this effect, and whether Physical Activity itself could act as a mediator. The results showed that Purpose in Life significantly mediated the relationship between Physical Activity and both cognitive outcomes, with age moderating this relationship only for Episodic Memory. Furthermore, results showed that Physical Activity does not act as a mediator in these relationships. Findings from this study suggest that among physical activities with similar cardiovascular benefits, the one that also nurtures individuals’ purpose in life and boosts psychological well-being should be prioritized.

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