Related Experiment Videos
Stress and exercise among the Japanese elderly
N Krause1, L Goldenhar, J Liang
1School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2029.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Regular physical exercise and social support benefit older adults by reducing psychological distress and promoting healthy behaviors. Social support, including emotional aid and even negative interactions, encourages more frequent physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- The stress process significantly impacts older adults' well-being.
- Understanding factors influencing health behaviors in aging populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the interplay of stress, social support, physical exercise, and depressive symptoms in Japanese older adults.
- To replicate and extend existing research on the stress process within this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a recent nationwide survey of older adults in Japan.
- Employed statistical analysis to investigate relationships between key variables: stress, social support, physical exercise, and depressive symptoms.
Main Results:
- Increased physical exercise frequency correlated with reduced psychological distress.
- Certain stressors were found to decrease physical activity frequency.
- Social support, both emotional support and negative interactions, was linked to more frequent exercise.
Conclusions:
- Physical exercise is a protective factor against psychological distress in older adults.
- Social support mechanisms, including informal sanctions, can positively influence health behaviors like exercise.
- Interventions promoting social support may enhance physical activity engagement in aging populations.