Aims: To explore potential effects of physical activity on well-being in a population study. Results are from baseline and 32-year follow-ups. Methods: In a population study of 1462 women in five age strata cross-sectional and prospective analysis were carried out. Activity levels were divided into low, intermediate and high. Well-being was based on self-reported well-being using a Likert-type 7-point scale. Results: Cross-sectional analysis showed strong associations between level of physical activity and well-being. The odds ratio (OR) for poor well-being in women with low physical activity compared with physically more active women was, when studied cross-sectionally, after 12 years in 1980—81 3.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.70—5.74, after 24 years in 1992—93 4.01, CI 2.61—6.17, and after 32 years in 2000—01 7.17, CI 3.56—14.44. Similar associations were observed when relating physical activity at baseline to subsequent well-being: after 12 years: OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.31—3.34, after 24 years: OR 2.74; 95% CI 1.56—4.83, and after 32 years: OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.77—2.88. There was a linear correlation between changes in the individual’s physical activity level and her simultaneous changes in experience of well-being between 1980—81 and 1992—93 and between 1992—93 and 2000—01 as well as between 1980—81 and 2000—01. Conclusions: Strong associations were observed between leisure time physical activity level and reported experience of well-being cross-sectionally and prospectively. Well-being increased with concurrent changes in physical activity. Increased physical activity in sedentary individuals appears to promote not only health but also well-being.
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