Intensity of physical activity and subjective well-being: An empirical analysis of the WHO recommendations

Abstract

Background This study examined the effect of different intensities of physical activity and the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the subjective well-being (SWB) of adults in two age groups (18-64; 65+). Methods Cross-sectional survey data from 28 European countries were used for the analysis (n = 21 008). Participation intensity was measured with the number of days and minutes of light (walking), moderate and vigorous activity. Another three dummy variables reflected how the WHO guidelines were met. Two-stage least square models were estimated with life satisfaction (measuring SWB) as the dependent variable. Results For 18- to 64-year-olds, walking (minutes and days/week) and vigorous activity (minutes/week) significantly added to SWB, while moderate activity (minutes/week) had a negative effect. Individuals in both age groups meeting the guidelines only for moderate activity and those meeting the guidelines for both moderate and vigorous activity or using a combination of both reported significantly higher well-being levels compared with those not meeting the guidelines. Conclusions Physical activity recommendations aiming at improving individuals' mental health should reconsider the inclusion of light-intensity activity, the interchangeability of moderate and vigorous activity, and the fact that more physical activity does not lead to better outcomes for all intensities and age groups.