scholarly journals Physical Activity and Rehabilitation – A Key to Healthy Aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 62-68
Author(s):  
V. Mihaylova ◽  
I. Ivanova ◽  
A. Alakidi ◽  
K. Kilova ◽  
M. Liochkova

Abstract A doctrine was established regarding the so called “new beginning” – the transition to the post-retirement period for a full-value experience of the available compensatory reserves and creation of overcoming strategies for opposing and coping with the obstacles in the still uncommon lifestyle of the senior citizen. By outlining the role of physical activity in a synthesized format, a successful attempt for data classification worldwide was made; in one fourth of the elderly people there is insufficient physical activity, more evident in the women and for Bulgaria this percent is higher (95%). The role and effect of categorized physical exercises for mobility, flexibility, and stretching, aerobic and anaerobic movements have been pointed out. Moreover, the review discusses the preventive effects of rehabilitation, including psychological ones and the role of it in helping patients live with socially significant diseases, coping with disability. The contribution of physical activity and rehabilitation as protective factors of non-infectious diseases is associated with good mental health, improved quality of life and well-being. Within this meaning, while contemporary medicine adds years to life, physical activity and mostly rehabilitation is a significant reason for adding a meaningful life in the course of aging and old age.

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
Matthias Kliegel

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-64
Author(s):  
Joanna Leśniewicz ◽  
◽  
Marcin Ferdynus ◽  
Danuta Wojterzak ◽  
Łukasz Banasiak ◽  
...  

After reaching old age, the elderly most often withdraw from social life. This is a serious problem because by isolating themselves from society they become less active. This has an impact on the emergence of many diseases related to both old age and the impact of physical inactivity on the body. The aim of the study was to present the consequences of the aging process in various aspects of the body’s functioning and the role of physical activity in eliminating these consequences. Unfortunately, there are still too few activities focused on physical activity for people over 65. This should change, because physical activity has a very positive effect on the human body and its well-being. Additionally, it can be observed that the earlier physical activity is started, the less changes in the body associated with the progressive aging process will occur. Such a person will be more agile and will not have major problems in dealing with overcoming the difficulties of everyday life.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-26
Author(s):  
Nazaret Martínez-Heredia

Introduction: Intergenerational education encourages cooperation and interaction between two or more generations through experiences, knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. Objective: The main objective of our research was to know the benefits at the psychological, social and educational level of intergenerational education. Methods: This is mixed-type research establishing relationships between young and old. The sample consists of a total of 94 people, 47 young people (aged between 21 and 40 years old) and 47 older (aged between 65 and 85 years). We promote the development of a mixed methodology to know if after the implementation of an intergenerational program we have obtained benefits in the elderly participants. Results: Considering the results we can say that the benefits at the psychological, social and educational level have been very remarkable of our elders. Conclusions: We must bet on intergenerational relationships as an ideal within our daily practice achieving a healthy aging, benefiting continuity in an active social role of our elders.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e047632
Author(s):  
Helen Humphreys ◽  
Laura Kilby ◽  
Nik Kudiersky ◽  
Robert Copeland

ObjectivesTo explore the lived experience of long COVID with particular focus on the role of physical activity.DesignQualitative study using semistructured interviews.Participants18 people living with long COVID (9 men, 9 women; aged between 18–74 years; 10 white British, 3 white Other, 3 Asian, 1 black, 1 mixed ethnicity) recruited via a UK-based research interest database for people with long COVID.SettingTelephone interviews with 17 participants living in the UK and 1 participant living in the USA.ResultsFour themes were generated. Theme 1 describes how participants struggled with drastically reduced physical function, compounded by the cognitive and psychological effects of long COVID. Theme 2 highlights challenges associated with finding and interpreting advice about physical activity that was appropriately tailored. Theme 3 describes individual approaches to managing symptoms including fatigue and ‘brain fog’ while trying to resume and maintain activities of daily living and other forms of exercise. Theme 4 illustrates the battle with self-concept to accept reduced function (even temporarily) and the fear of permanent reduction in physical and cognitive ability.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into the challenges of managing physical activity alongside the extended symptoms associated with long COVID. Findings highlight the need for greater clarity and tailoring of physical activity-related advice for people with long COVID and improved support to resume activities important to individual well-being.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie A. E. Mueller ◽  
Eirini Flouri

Mental health and well-being in adolescence are associated with many short- and long-term outcomes. The evidence suggests that greenspace may play a role in adolescents' mental well-being, but we do not know much about the specifics of this link. In this paper, we investigated the role of other factors in the association. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the role of neighbourhood greenspace in emotional and behavioural outcomes in 11-year-old urban adolescents participating in the UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 4,534). We used linear regression models to test for an association of greenspace with self-esteem, happiness, positive mood, negative mood, and antisocial behaviour. We also investigated effect modification/moderation by garden access, physical activity, and perceived area safety. We did not find a main effect of greenspace, but we did find interaction effects. First, in adolescents without a garden, higher levels of greenspace were associated with lower levels of self-esteem and positive mood. Second, in adolescents who reported lower levels of physical activity, higher levels of greenspace were associated with lower levels of negative mood. Third, in adolescents who perceived their areas to be unsafe, higher levels of greenspace were associated with higher levels of antisocial behaviour. Our findings suggest that merely more greenspace in the neighbourhood may not be sufficient to promote the mental well-being of urban adolescents in the UK. However, greenspace does seem to have an influence under certain conditions which should be investigated further in future studies.


Author(s):  
Ali Arazeem Abdullahi ◽  
Anathi Ntozini ◽  
Rotimi Oguntayo

The psychological wellbeing of the elderly has become an important global health issue. This study investigated the socio-contextual factors moderating some dimensions of psychological well-being (self-acceptance, purpose in life, environmental mastery and autonomy) among 301 selected aged in South Africa. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were deployed to select the respondents (93 males and 208 females) in Buffalo city, South Africa. A questionnaire pack which included the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale (RPWBS) and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) were utilised. The study found a significant relationship between physical activity and psychological wellbeing of the elderly. However, ethnicity could moderate the relationship between physical activity and the dimensions of psychological wellbeing. Recreational activities, particularly in Black communities, must be improved to encourage participation in physical exercise.


Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazaret Martínez Heredia ◽  
Esther Santaella Rodríguez ◽  
Antonio-Manuel Rodríguez-García

En las últimas décadas se observan cambios demográficos significativos, se observa una tendencia progresiva en cuanto al envejecimiento de la población, la longevidad se trata de una característica presente en nuestra sociedad. Dicho cambio está propiciando el desarrollo de diversas políticas orientadas a fomentar un envejecimiento activo y saludable, teniendo en cuenta los beneficios de la actividad física para su promoción. El principal objetivo de este estudio se centra en realizar una revisión sistemática de estudios sobre la incidencia positiva de la actividad física en el bienestar de las personas mayores asociado a un envejecimiento saludable. Para ello, se utilizaron los estudios recogidos en la colección principal de la base de datos Web of Science, seleccionando las revistas con mayor índice de impacto. La muestra consta de 15 artículos, los cuales se estudian a fondo para desglosar la información más relevante. Los artículos han sido seleccionados teniendo en cuenta las siguientes variables: objetivos, diseño, muestra e instrumentos y resultados. Los artículos analizados muestran que la práctica diaria de actividad física incrementa los niveles de autoestima e incide en la felicidad de los mayores, además de contribuir a mejorar la capacidad para el autocuidado, favorecer la integración del esquema corporal y facilitar las relaciones intergeneracionales, entre otros aspectos positivos. Es necesario promover un envejecimiento activo y saludable en mayores basado en la promoción de la actividad física. Abstract: A significant change is taking place nowadays, i.e. the progressive tendency to aging of the elderly population: longevity is a very latent characteristic in our society. This change is favoring the development of various policies for the preparation of the population towards an active and healthy aging, taking into account the benefits of physical activity for its promotion. The main objective of this study is to review the bibliography on the positive impact of physical activity on elders’ well-being associated with healthy aging. Studies collected in the Web of Science database were chosen from those journals with the highest impact index. The sample consisted of 15 articles, which were thoroughly studied so to break down the most relevant information. The articles were selected taking into account the following variables: objectives, design, sample and instruments, and results. The analyzed articles showed how daily practice of physical activity increases self-esteem levels, affects elderly’s happiness, contributes to improving self-care competence, promotes corporal scheme integration, facilitates intergenerational relations, increases social participation, creates positive changes in lifestyle, improves sleep quality, reduces anxiety, stress, depression and insomnia, and reinforces intellectual activity due to good cerebral oxygenation, among other effects. In the third age it is necessary to promote an active and healthy aging based on the promotion of physical activity.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document