Mobility limitations and emotional dysfunction in old age: the moderating effects of physical activity and social ties

Background: This study aims to examine the association between mobility limitations and emotional dysfunction among older Ghanaians and evaluate the buffering effect of physical activity (PA) and social ties in this association. Methods: The analysis included 1201 adults aged ≥50 from the 2016-17 Aging, Health, Psychological Well-being, and Health-seeking Behavior study. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) assessed mobility limitations and emotional dysfunction. We measured PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Hierarchical OLS regressions were performed to evaluate the hypothesized direct and interactive relationships. Results: The mean age of the sample was 66.2 (SD = 11.9), and 63.3% were women. After full adjustment for potential confounders, OLS regressions found that mobility limitations increased the risk of emotional dysfunction (β = 0.113, p = 0.004). Moreover, social ties (β = −0.157, p < 0.001) and PA (β = −0.096, p < 0.001) were independently and negatively associated with emotional dysfunction. We finally found a significant effect modification of the association of mobility limitations with emotional dysfunction by PA (β = −0.040, p < 0.002) and social ties (β = −0.013, p = 0.013). Conclusions: Mobility-enhancing strategies such as engagement in positive behavioral choices, focusing on regular PA, and maintaining resourceful interpersonal social networks can mitigate the impact of mobility limitations on emotional dysfunction in later life.