The Effects of Physical Activity on Self-Esteem in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Stefan Mijalković¹Stefan Stojanović¹Ana Lilić¹Tamara Ilić¹İsmail İLBAK²Krzysztof Kasicki^3*Patryk Niewczas-Czarny^4*Tadeusz Ambroży⁵Łukasz Rydzik⁵

• ¹Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
• ²Institute of Health Sciences, İnönü University, 44000 Malatya, Türkiye, Malatya, Türkiye
• ³Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Krakow, Poland
• ⁴Institute of physical culture science, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszów, Poland
• ⁵Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Physical Culture, 31-571 Kraków, Poland, Kraków, Lesser Poland, Poland

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of physical activity on self-esteem levels in older adults. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched using the following terms (in English): (physical activity OR physical exercise OR training) AND (self-esteem OR self-confidence OR self-respect) AND (male OR female) AND elderly. The inclusion criteria were: (1) studies examining the effect of physical activity on self-esteem, (2) participation of healthy individuals aged 60 years and older, (3) original articles published in English, and (4) full-text availability online. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were excluded. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. The risk of bias was evaluated by two independent authors, and in cases of disagreement, a third reviewer made the final decision. Results: Out of 3,732 identified publications, after removing duplicates and initial screening, 17 studies were ultimately included in the analysis (total of 1,820 participants). The youngest participants were 60 years old, and the oldest were 96. All included studies showed a statistically significant positive relationship between regular physical activity and higher self-esteem in older adults. Particularly beneficial effects were observed for aerobic training (e.g., walking, jogging, cycling), yoga sessions, and exercises targeting strength, endurance, and coordination development. Conclusions: Regular participation in activities such as walking, yoga, and moderate-intensity exercises positively influences self-esteem in older adults, making physical activity an important factor for psychological well-being in later life.Regular physical activity exerts a beneficial effect on self-esteem in older adults, improving sleep quality, mood, overall health, and reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. Aerobic exercises and functional training are recommended to support psychophysical well-being in later life.