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Physical fitness prospects in the elderly
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Physical activity and exercise programs benefit geriatric populations by restoring and preserving health. Physicians should lead in creating guidelines for appropriate fitness programs for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical disability affects 44% of adults over 65, increasing with age, especially in women.
- Existing methods for measuring functional activity in the elderly lack standardized purpose and application.
- Aging is associated with significant pathophysiologic changes, necessitating targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiologic changes in aging.
- To highlight the benefits of exercise and movement therapy for the elderly.
- To emphasize the role of physicians in guiding geriatric fitness programs.
Main Methods:
- Review of a 1981 National Conference of Fitness and Aging panel report.
- Synthesis of existing studies on exercise and functional activity in the elderly.
- Analysis of the impact of physical fitness programs on geriatric health.
Main Results:
- Exercise and rhythmic/movement therapy demonstrate significant beneficial physiologic effects in the elderly.
- Physical fitness programs are crucial for health restoration and preservation in geriatric populations.
- There is a noted ambiguity in current methods for measuring elderly functional activity.
Conclusions:
- Physical exercise is vital for maintaining health and function in older adults.
- Physicians play a critical role in developing and implementing appropriate geriatric fitness guidelines.
- Standardized approaches to measuring functional activity in the elderly are needed.
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