A dual-process approach to leisure walking among older adults: an extended prototype willingness model

This study extended the Prototype Willingness Model (PWM) by differentiating cognitive and affective attitudes to examine the psychosocial determinants of daily walking behavior among community-dwelling older adults – a predominant form of physical activity that frequently intersects with utilitarian mobility (hybrid walking) in high-density urban settings. A cross-sectional survey of 501 community-dwelling older adults in Guangzhou, China, was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results supported the dual-pathway structure: cognitive attitude and subjective norm predicted intention, whereas affective attitude, subjective norm, and prototype perceptions predicted willingness. Both intention and willingness directly influenced walking behavior, with intention showing a stronger effect. Mediation analysis revealed that subjective norm exerted the largest indirect effect, followed by cognitive attitude, affective attitude, and prototype perceptions. These findings validate the extended PWM in a non-Western aging context and highlight the need for integrated interventions targeting cognitive, affective, and social factors to promote active aging.