Active lifestyles in older adults: an integrated predictive model of physical activity and exercise

Physical activity and exercise have emerged as potential methods to improve brain health among older adults. However, there are currently no physical activity guidelines aimed at improving cognitive function, and the mechanisms underlying these cognitive benefits are poorly understood. The purpose of this narrative review is to present the current evidence regarding the effects of physical activity and exercise on cognition in older adults without cognitive impairment, identify potential mechanisms underlying these effects, and make recommendations for exercise prescription to enhance cognitive performance. The review begins with a summary of evidence of the effect of chronic physical activity and exercise on cognition. Attention then turns to four main biological mechanisms that appear to underlie exercise-induced cognitive improvement, including the upregulation of growth factors and neuroplasticity, inhibition of inflammatory biomarker production, improved vascular function, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. The last section provides an overview of exercise parameters known to optimize cognition in older adults, such as exercise type, frequency, intensity, session duration, and exercise program duration.

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Perceptions, Opinions, Beliefs, and Attitudes About Physical Activity and Exercise in Urban-Community-Residing Older Adults

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health ◽

10.1177/2150132720924137 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 215013272092413

Author(s):

Elgloria A. Harrison ◽

Lillie Monroe Lord ◽

Elmira Asongwed ◽

Phronie Jackson ◽

Tiffany Johnson-Largent ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Urban Community ◽

Well Being ◽

Washington Dc ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Physical Activity And Exercise ◽

Major Factors ◽

Barriers And Motivators ◽

Beliefs And Attitudes

Background: This research study illustrates the perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes of older adults residing in an urban community as major factors to understanding barriers and motivators in older African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians adults within Washington, DC. Methods: Eight focus group sessions conducted with 58 older adults to determine their understanding of physical activity and exercise, as well as of barriers to, motivators for, and benefits of physical activity and exercise. Results: The results showed that dance was the preferred physical activity and exercise, fixed or limited income were the main barriers, and prolonged life, more energy, and a stronger body were the main benefits. Conclusion: The results will assist in recommendations to policy makers on programs for older adults that will increase physical activity and exercise for local citizens. These interventions are more likely to increase older adults’ ability to remain in their communities and improve their overall health and well-being.

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Promoting Physical Activity and Exercise in Older Adults With Developmental Disabilities

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation ◽

10.1097/01.tgr.0000311407.09178.55 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 64-73 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Jamie M. Hall ◽

M. Janet Thomas

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Developmental Disabilities ◽

Physical Activity And Exercise ◽

Adults With Developmental Disabilities

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Cognitive dysfunction and multiple sclerosis: developing a rationale for considering the efficacy of exercise training

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458511409612 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 17 (9) ◽

pp. 1034-1040 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Robert W Motl ◽

Brian M Sandroff ◽

Ralph HB Benedict

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Exercise Training ◽

Aerobic Fitness ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity And Exercise

Cognitive impairment is a prevalent, disabling, and poorly managed consequence of multiple sclerosis (MS). This underscores the importance of considering alternative approaches, such as exercise training, for managing cognitive impairment in persons with MS. The consideration of exercise training is warranted based on evidence summarized in literature reviews and meta-analyses that (1) aerobic fitness, physical activity, and exercise training are associated with better cognitive function in older adults; and (2) exercise training has comparable effects on mobility and quality of life outcomes in older adults and persons with MS. To date, research examining aerobic fitness, physical activity, and exercise training effects on cognition in MS is nascent and mostly includes cross-sectional designs that provide preliminary evidence for a well-designed randomized controlled trial (RCT). We believe that a future RCT should adopt research methodologies and practices from gerontology when examining exercise training and cognition in MS. This will maximize the potential for successfully generating a body of knowledge on exercise training and cognition with the potential for impacting the lives of persons with MS.

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Antecedents and Consequences of Physical Activity and Exercise Among Older Adults

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/35.4.451 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 35 (4) ◽

pp. 451-462 ◽

Cited By ~ 67

Author(s):

F. D. Wolinsky ◽

T. E. Stump ◽

D. O. Clark

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Activity And Exercise ◽

Antecedents And Consequences

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A Review of the Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on Cognitive and Brain Functions in Older Adults

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.1155/2013/657508 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 144

Author(s):

Louis Bherer ◽

Kirk I. Erickson ◽

Teresa Liu-Ambrose

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Negative Impact ◽

The Body ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthy Older Adults ◽

Brain Functions ◽

Age Related ◽

Physical Activity And Exercise ◽

The Mind

Studies supporting the notion that physical activity and exercise can help alleviate the negative impact of age on the body and the mind abound. This literature review provides an overview of important findings in this fast growing research domain. Results from cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies with healthy older adults, frail patients, and persons suffering from mild cognitive impairment and dementia are reviewed and discussed. Together these finding suggest that physical exercise is a promising nonpharmaceutical intervention to prevent age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

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