The relationship between sufficient leisure time physical activity and happiness: An age stratification perspective

Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) has been frequently reported as a method of improving happiness. However, the effects of LTPA sufficiency and age differences in adults have been less discussed in the literature. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between LTPA sufficiency and happiness based on an age stratification perspective. A total of 16,412 data observations from the Taiwanese Physical Activity Annual Survey (PAAS) were used for this study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the odds ratio of the LTPA-sufficient population on happiness. The odds of happiness were 2.5-3 times higher among LTPA-sufficient young adults (25-29 years old) than among the insufficient group. However, unexpectedly, a negative association was observed between sufficient LTPA and happiness in 35- to 39-year-old men. Intrapersonal differences (e.g., achievement goals and motivational level) and the environment (social context) might play a fundamental role in the LPTA-happiness relationship. Sufficient LTPA was associated with increased happiness among Taiwanese adults. However, the relationships between sufficient LTPA and happiness were not consistent when stratified by age. Further research on the relevant mechanism underlying this phenomenon is warranted. Trial registration: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chung Shan Medical University Hospital (CRREC-104-015), registered on 18 October 2016.