Impact of Physical Activity on the Psychological Health of the Elderly
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, August 2018
Pages:
77-81
Received:
4 September 2018
Accepted:
12 November 2018
Published:
14 December 2018
Abstract: Life expectancy and longevity present a great and urgent challenge due to the increase of population older than 65 years. This circumstance generates some high scientific, health and economic demands for facing the future ahead. Prevention of noncommunicable diseases related to population aging, aims to improve physical and psychological quality of life and consequently it has been implemented as a main measure of health policies. In this respect, the practice of physical activity and its effects on emotional variables is considered of great interest in this significant population as a preventive health step. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to describe the variables studied in relation with the practice of physical activity. For this purpose, a search was carried out in ScienceDirect, SportDiscus and Pubmed using as keywords "physical activity", "aging", "emotion" and "health"; limited to a time interval between 2007 and 2018. As a result of this search, a significant amount of publications regarding the benefits of depression, anxiety and stress in aging were found. However, attention is now being paid to the benefits of physical activity like reinforcement of positive states such as greater well-being and good mood. In conclusion, in the present work the studies related to the benefits of physical activity are examined in order to know its impact on the psychological well-being. The data suggest that the greatest benefit is provided by a medium intensity aerobic exercise, of between 30 and 60 minutes, practiced twice a week. Future studies should explore the benefits of physical exercise in psychological variables through a longitudinal design in order to verify a slowdown in the effects of aging.
Abstract: Life expectancy and longevity present a great and urgent challenge due to the increase of population older than 65 years. This circumstance generates some high scientific, health and economic demands for facing the future ahead. Prevention of noncommunicable diseases related to population aging, aims to improve physical and psychological quality of...
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