Physical literacy among older adults
A scoping review of definition, attributes, contributing factors, consequences and interventions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22089662 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yawei Yu (Beijing University of Chinese Medicine), Duan Yu (0000-0001-5748-2846, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine), Yu Duan (0009-0004-0687-1621), Hong Guo (0000-0001-6028-8155, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, corresponding author), Yiping Chen (0000-0002-4973-0296, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1678171-1678171 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-05 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1678171 |
| PMID | 41268410 |
| OpenAlex | W4415902556 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 36 |
Background: Physical literacy (PL) is increasingly recognized as a foundational component of lifelong physical activity participation and healthy aging. However, research on PL in older adults remains scattered and lacks synthesis across domains. Objective: To systematically map the current research landscape on physical literacy in older adults, including its definitions, core attributes, contributing factors, health-related outcomes, and intervention practices. Method: Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO) were searched from inception to May 2025. Additional grey literature was identified through Google Scholar and reference screening. Adopted Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage methodological framework, two reviewers independently screened and extracted data focusing on definitions, attributes, antecedents, consequences, and interventions related to PL in older adults. Findings were synthesized using Braun and Clarke's descriptive thematic analysis approach. Results: Eighteen studies were included, which were published between 2019 and 2025, spanning medicine, psychology, and social sciences. The concept of PL among older adults did not have a consolidated definition but was identified through five defining attributes: Physical competence, Motivation and confidence, Knowledge and understanding, Affective and cognitive engagement and Environmental and social interaction. Influencing factors clustered into four categories: biomedical, psychosocial and behavioral habits, sociocultural environment, and education and early experiences. PL was positively associated with physical and mental health, willingness to engage in physical activity, successful aging, and public health outcomes. Intervention strategies included education-based programs, functional exercise training, dance, and exergaming. Conclusion: Physical literacy is essential for supporting active aging. Standardized assessment tools and integrated interventions are needed to enhance PL among older adults. Future efforts should build upon the attributes of PL among older adults to develop or refine multidimensional assessment tools specifically designed for older adults, ensuring their cultural relevance and practical applicability
Health literacy · Literacy · MEDLINE · Needs assessment · Psychological intervention · Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Technology Use by Older Adults
Examining the factor structure of the Physical Literacy for Life self-assessment tool (PL4L) among Japanese adults and its relationship with the stages of change model for participation in regular physical activity
Friluftsliv literacy—a contribution to physical literacy for health throughout the life course
Instructor strategies to support older adults’ physical literacy in community dance classes
International approaches to the definition, philosophical tenets, and core elements of physical literacy
Physical Competence, Physical Well-Being, and Perceived Physical Literacy among Older Adults in Day Care Centers of Hong Kong
Relevance of community structures and neighbourhood characteristics for participation of older adults
Physical literacy-based intervention for older adults
Physical literacy, health and interactive aging
Physical literacy
The people make it fun, the activities we do just make sure we turn up on time.” Factors influencing older adults’ participation in community-based group programmes in Perth, Western Australia
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Scoping studies
A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Childhood and Adolescent Physical Activity Experiences on Adult Physical Activity Perceptions and Behaviors
| Highly cited | No |
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