scholarly journals Benefits for Older People Engaged in Environmental Volunteering and Socializing Activities in City Parks: Preliminary Results of a Program in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3772
Author(s):  
Cristina Gagliardi ◽  
Karl Pillemer ◽  
Elena Gambella ◽  
Flavia Piccinini ◽  
Paolo Fabbietti
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Organized Activities ◽  
Environmental Attitude ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Environmental Volunteering

The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of an environmental volunteering program involving park restoration and social activities for older people. Older people face a series of challenges, ranging from social isolation and depression to a lack of exercise, as well as the difficult task of creating new meaning to deal with a decrease in vitality and new social relationships, interests, and commitments. From this perspective, this pilot study aimed to contribute to highlighting if or how these aspects can be positively correlated with organized activities associated with caring for public green spaces. A single-group, pre-test/post-test design was used, and baseline and post-participation measurements were recorded. The data were collected using a questionnaire aimed at evaluating variations in physical activity, positive and negative emotions, life satisfaction, and perceived social support. Through focus group interviews with participants at the baseline and after one year of participating in the program, the participants’ motivations and experienced effects were explored. The sample was composed of a group of 19 healthy people who joined the program. The quantitative results showed that the participants’ level of physical activity, subjective life satisfaction, and positive feelings were significantly increased at the follow-up. Positive correlations were found between increasing moderate physical activities, walking, and The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) positive feelings. A pro-environmental attitude of the elderly emerged from the qualitative data. The results, limitations, and improvements of the study are discussed.

scholarly journals Promotion of active ageing through interactive artificial agents in a smart environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Menezes ◽  
Rui P. Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Training System ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
List Type ◽  
Multi Agent System ◽  
Agent System ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Elderly Users

Abstract Societies in the most developed countries have witnessed a significant ageing of the population in recent decades, which increases the demand for healthcare services and caregivers. The development of technologies to help the elderly, so that they can remain active and independent for a longer time, helps to mitigate the sustainability problem posed in care services. This article follows this new trend, proposing a multi-agent system composed of a smart camera network, centralised planning agent, a virtual coach, and robotic exercise buddy, designed to promote regular physical activity habits among the elderly. The proposed system not only persuades the users to perform exercise routines, but also guides and accompanies them during exercises in order to provide effective training and engagement to the user. The different agents are combined in the system to exploit their complementary features in the quest for an effective and engaging training system. Three variants of the system, involving either a partial set of those agents or the full proposed system, were evaluated and compared through a pilot study conducted with 12 elderly users. The results demonstrate that all variants are able to guide the user in an exercise routine, but the most complete system that includes a robotic exercise buddy was the best scored by the participants. Article Highlights Proposal of a multi-agent system to help elderly adopting regular physical activity habits. A virtual coach and a robotic exercise buddy provide both guidance and companionship during the exercise. A pilot study conducted with 12 elderly users demonstrated an effective and engaging training system.

scholarly journals Evaluation of selected forms of physical activity of older people - pilot study

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Anna Ogonowska-Słodownik
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older People ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Borg Scale ◽  
Nordic Walking ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
The University ◽  
Work Done

Abstract Introduction: Regular physical activity can prevent sharp decline in the level of physical fitness of older people [1]. Both the quantity and quality of physical activity are important [2]. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected forms of physical activity of older people in terms of intensity of effort. Material and methods: In the study participated 10 women at the age of 73.6 ± 6.5 years, from the Third Age University at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. The study included four forms: gymnastics, Nordic walking, dancing and Tai Chi. The study used IDEEA device (Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity) and a pulse recorder (Polar). In addition, each of the woman immediately after class evaluated its intensity with the 20 points Borg Scale. Results: The results indicate a large diversity of physical activity in terms of work done, energy consumption, heart rate. Nordic Walking classes were most intense (2.8 kJ/min, 3.5 kcal/min, 101.5 beats/min) and Tai Chi was least intense (0.5 kJ/min, 1.6 kcal/min , 65 beats/ min). Subjective evaluation of intensity (Borg Scale) of the trainings confirms the values obtained by the objective methods - quite heavy (14 points) in Nordic Walking and very light (10 points) in Tai Chi. Conclusions: There is a need for a reliable analysis of proposed forms for the elderly in Poland. Using multiple measurement tools will help to increase the objectivity of the evaluation and defining their impact on the capabilities of older people. A comprehensive assessment can be used in programming physical activity for older people.

PoliFIT-INFOcus: A pilot study exploring how to promote physical activity in older people

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. e41-e42 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Damanti ◽  
D. Azzolino ◽  
S. Riva ◽  
A. Cano ◽  
M. Marcucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Older People

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BEHAVIOR IN THE ELDERLY: A PILOT STUDY

2004 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 235-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. LANDI ◽  
A. RUSSO ◽  
R. BERNABEI
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
And Behavior

scholarly journals The effects of a physical activity programme on the psychological wellbeing of older people in a residential care facility: an experimental study

2010 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 609-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
SILVIA CIAIRANO ◽  
MONICA EMMA LIUBICICH ◽  
EMANUELA RABAGLIETTI
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Experimental Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Residential Care Facility ◽  
Post Test

ABSTRACTThis experimental study aimed to analyse the effects of an aerobic activity intervention delivered by specially trained instructors to a sample of Italian older people living in a residential care facility. We assessed intervention effects on general health perception, perception that one's health represents a limitation for moderate and heavy physical activity, and positive and negative self-perception. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was administered at pre-test and post-test to a sample of 22 older people (ten in the control group and 12 in the intervention group) of both genders with an average age of 80.6 years. The findings showed that: (a) the perception that one's health can limit moderate and heavy physical activity decreased significantly in the older people belonging to the intervention group between pre- and post-test, while it increased in the control group; (b) positive self-perception was found to be stable in the intervention group, while it decreased in the control group; and (c) there was no interaction between group and time with respect to both general health perception and negative self-perception. The exercise programme seemed to have a particularly positive effect on older people's beliefs about their ability to master successfully the activities of daily living such as walking and moving objects.

scholarly journals Changes in Physical Activity Are Associated with Corresponding Changes in Psychological Well-Being: A Pandemic Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10680
Author(s):  
Micael Dahlen ◽  
Helge Thorbjørnsen ◽  
Hallgeir Sjåstad ◽  
Petra von Heideken Wågert ◽  
Charlotta Hellström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Good Reason ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Organized Activities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Societal crises and personal challenges are often followed by substantial changes in physical activity. Is there a link between such changes and psychological well-being? Seeking to answer this question, we conducted a correlational study on a representative sample in Sweden during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 1035). About 49% of the sample had decreased their physical activity compared to their self-reported activity level prior to the pandemic, whereas 32% had increased it. The results showed a positive and robust association between changes in daily activity level and corresponding changes in psychological well-being. Specifically, individuals who had reduced their physical activity over the last year reported lower life satisfaction than before, and individuals who had increased their physical activity reported higher life satisfaction than before. The amount of complete physical inactivity (sitting) showed a similar pattern as the exercise data, meaning that individuals who reported increasing inactivity per day also reported a greater decline in life satisfaction. Additional analyses showed that the association between daily activity level and life satisfaction was somewhat stronger for men than for women, but there was no difference when comparing individual versus organized activities. The current study was based on a cross-sectional design, measuring self-reported change over time. Recent work from other research teams have used longitudinal data and experience-sampling in different settings, finding similar results. We conclude that there is good reason to recommend physical exercise as a coping strategy in difficult times.

scholarly journals Actividad Física y sedentarismo: Repercusiones sobre la salud y calidad de vida de las personas mayores (Physical activity and sedentary lifestyle: Impact on health and quality of life of older people)

Retos ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 126-129
Author(s):  
Francisco Salinas Martínez ◽  
Armando Cocca ◽  
Kamal Mohamed ◽  
Jesús Viciana Ramírez
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older People ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Calidad De Vida ◽  
Elderly Health

Realizamos un análisis del estado actual de las personas mayores en relación con la actividad física y el sedentarismo, éste último aspecto convertido en la actualidad como una de las principales fuentes de amenaza para la salud pública de los países europeos y americanos. Damos a conocer los efectos negativos de la inactividad física sobre los parámetros cardiovasculares, diabetes, depresión y cáncer, entre otros. Mostramos los beneficios de la actividad física (herramienta clave para solucionar los problemas propios del sedentarismo) para la salud de este colectivo de la población; al tiempo que estudiamos las razones por las que las personas mayores acuden a los programas de actividad física. Finalmente, aportamos una serie de conclusiones.Palabras clave: Actividad Física. Calidad de Vida. Personas mayores. Salud. Sedentarismo.Abstract: We analyzed the current status of the elderly in relation to physical activity and sedentary, the latter now become a major source of threat to public health in the European and American countries. We report the negative effects of physical inactivity on cardiovascular parameters, diabetes, depression and cancer, among others. We show the benefits of physical activity (a key tool to solve the problems of the sedentary lifestyle) for the health of this group of the population while we study the reasons why older people attend physical activity programs. Finally, we provide a number of conclusions. Keywords: Physical Activity. Quality of Life. Elderly. Health. Sedentary.

Falls in the elderly due to vestibular dysfunction: clinical and pathogenetic aspects

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-103
Author(s):  
I. V. Damulin ◽  
M. V. Tardov
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older People ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Vestibular System ◽  
Sensory Integration ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vestibular Dysfunction ◽  
Common Cause ◽  
Multimodal Sensory Integration

This article discusses the clinical features and causes of falls in the elderly due to vestibular dysfunction. The sociomedical significance of this problem is emphasized. Almost 50% of older people who have suffered repeated falls have a restriction of physical activity because of psychological reasons (fear of repeated falls). The most common cause of falls is balance disorders, and the corresponding complaint in patients with falls is vertigo. The description of peripheral and central forms of vertigo is provided. The clinical and pathogenetic aspects of these disorders are considered. It emphasizes that research conducted in recent years using methods of functional neuroimaging has significantly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms of functioning of the vestibular system, especially its central parts. Based on the results of studies aimed at studying the human connectome in patients with cochleovestibular disorders, the significance of multimodal sensory integration disorders with this pathology is shown.

A 6-Month Pilot Study of Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Life Satisfaction with a Sample of Three Generations of Women

2005 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 579-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne L. Ornes ◽  
Lynda B. Ransdell ◽  
Leeann Robertson ◽  
Eric Trunnell ◽  
Laurie Moyer-Mileur
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Three Generations ◽  
Home Based

This pilot study assessed possible changes in Life Satisfaction across three generations of women after a 6-mo. physical activity intervention. The primary purpose of the study was to test the study design and discover critical issues that should be controlled for or changed in a follow-up study. A quasi-experimental design was used to assign randomly a convenience sample of participant triads into two groups: a home-based group ( n = 27) and a control group ( n = 9). Daughters were premenarcheal ( n = 13, M = 10.1 yr., SD = 1.5), mothers were premenopausal ( n = 13, M = 37.2 yr., SD = 4.2), and grandmothers were postmenopausal ( n = 11, M = 61.5 yr., SD = 4.4). Life Satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Participation in physical activity was measured using the Physical Best Physical Activity Questionnaire and a pedometer to count the number of steps taken per day. Compared with the control group, participants in the home-based group generally increased physical activity but their scores for Life Satisfaction did not increase. Recommendations concerning the study design, reducing limitations, and hypotheses for further study are given.

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