The moderating role of agency and belonging in the healthy aging framework: a momentary assessment study among older adults in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVES: Maintaining functional ability is central to healthy aging. However, prior research overlooks psychosocial adaptation and relies on retrospective assessments. This study examined intrinsic capacity, environmental resources, and functional ability under varying agency and belonging among 312 Hong Kong older adults (aged 65-86) using momentary assessment. METHOD: A seven-day intensive longitudinal study was conducted in 2024. Intrinsic capacity included cognition, affect, locomotion, sensory capacity, and vitality. Environmental resources measured perceived walking accessibility. Functional ability assessed daily meaningful activities, physical activity intensity, and life space. Agency and belonging were housing-related control beliefs and sense of community. Direct associations and moderation models were tested. RESULTS: Intrinsic capacity positively associated with all functional ability dimensions. Environmental resources linked positively to meaningful activities but negatively to life space. These links were generally weaker with high agency and belonging, except high belonging strengthened one relationship, revealing nuanced psychosocial adaptation mechanisms. CONCLUSION: Agency and belonging emerged as key psychosocial resources buffering functional decline, highlighting their value as targets for prevention and intervention efforts promoting healthy aging.