As we age, the body tends to degenerate gradually and physical activity can become more of a burden. This decline in physical activity may lead to a poor self-efficacy, a lack of self- confidence, and health risks. Recently, research has become more interested among the correlation of exercise on the aging adult. These studies have led to the belief that although physical abilities may decline with age, less strenuous activities may be practiced in order to increase self-efficacy and self-confidence, and improve health among the aging adult population, which would ultimately increase the longevity of the elderly.
Researchers used a self-administered questionnaire in order to measure life satisfaction, cognitive age, and physical activities among 376 women aged 65 and older. The women were placed in 1 of 4 categories including: women who were vigorous exercisers, women who were long walkers, women who were short walkers, and women who were inactive. The study found that women who exercise vigorously or were long walkers scored significantly higher on life satisfaction tests than those women who exercised less or those who were inactive. The study also revealed that the four groups of women differed in cognitive age. Those who exercised more habitually and vigorously were found to be significantly younger than those who rarely exercised or did not exercise at all.
Researchers performed a study, in order to evaluate the association between regular physical activity and the occurrence of cognitive impairment and dementia. 6,434 seniors of the ages 65 and up were among those screened for dementia using a mental state examination and were then analyzed with a case control approach in order to test the effect of physical activity on cognitive impairment. Confounding was a factor in the results due to education background, age, and sex. Adjusting was performed in order to compensate for age, sex, and educational background. After adjusting, results showed that low, moderate, and high levels of physical activity were related to lower risk of dementia and cognitive impairment than those seniors with no physical activity.
Stressman and associates studied the association between physical activity and mortality rates in older men and women. A community-based cohort design was used which included a systematically representative sample of older men and women born between 1920-1921, who lived in the western part of Jerusalem. Interviews were performed in order to develop an in-depth report on the social and medical profile of each individual in the longitudinal study. Seniors also reported on their physical activity and how regularly it occurred. Results showed that mortality at a 6-year follow up was significantly higher for seniors who reported no regular exercise than those who reported walking at least four hours a week. Results suggested that an increase in physical activity will increase survival in aging adults. Researchers also propose that older individuals should be encouraged to engage in regular and moderate physical activity.
Through research examples, like the ones mentioned, it can be easily seen that physical activity and exercise can be beneficial to the aging adult. Physical health and self- confidence are two areas that can be improved by a regular exercise routine. Together these combine to give the elderly longer, healthier, and happier lives. The elderly age group is one of the fastest growing populations, and because of this it is important that research continues, in hopes of providing them with a better future.
Clark, Sylvia D., Long, Mary M., Schiffman, Leon G. (1999). The Mind Body Connection. Journal of Social Behavior & Personality. 14 (2) 221-240.
Laurin, Danielle., Verreault, Rene., Lindsay, Joan., MacPherson, Kathleen., Rockwood, Kenneth. (2001). Physical activity and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in elderly persons. Archives of Neurology. 58 (3) 498-504.
Stressman, J., Maaravi, Y., Hammerman-Rozenberg, R., Cohen, A. (2000). The effects of physical activity on mortality in the Jerusalem 70-year-old Longitudinal Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics society. 48(5) 499-504.
Contributed by Jared Kooistra, October 5, 2001.