Unfolding the Effects of Social Prescription, Health Consciousness Behavior, Physical Activity, and Mental Well-Being for Healthy Aging: An Empirical Analysis

Background: Health-conscious behavior, physical exercise, and good mental health are essential for healthy aging. A person's social and emotional needs can be met through community-based events and support networks, where "social prescription" is applied to promote well-being. This concept recognizes that biological variables alone are insufficient to determine mental health and that social influence plays a significant role. Healthy aging is influenced by several factors, including social influences, health-conscious choices, physical activity, and psychological well-being. Objective: This study aimed to explore the effects of social prescription for healthy aging on health consciousness behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being. Methods: This study was conducted across various regions in China and included a diverse and representative sample of participants (N=5600) to ensure a robust and inclusive analysis. This study used a cross-sectional research strategy, which allowed the researchers to take a snapshot of the participants' experiences and opinions at a particular time. Results: The results for hypotheses H1 (0.074 path coefficient, 5.470 t-statistic, and p