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Research on Physical Activity in the Elderly: Practical Implications for Program Planning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Anita M. Myers  and
Gail Gonda
Anita M. Myers
Affiliation:
University of Waterloo
Gail Gonda
Affiliation:
Huntley Youth Services
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Abstract

The majority of elderly individuals do not engage in any form of regular physical activity. This lack of participation is thought to be due to a number of factors ranging from entrenched patterns of inactivity to myths and fears concerning the safety and suitability of exercise for this age group. The following review critically examines the research in the area in order to assess the elderly's capacity for exercise and the benefits accruing from exercise. Endurance training studies are contrasted with rhythmic exercise programs in terms of documented benefits, screening procedures and attrition rates. The lower-intensity exercise programs attract a more representative group of senior participants and appear to overcome many of the barriers to increased involvement in physical activity. Implications of the research findings for both program planning and broader educational efforts are discussed.

Résumé

La plupart des personnes âgées ne se livrent à aucune activité physique régulière. On croit que cette absence de participation est imputable à un certain nombre de facteurs allant des habitudes d'inactivité ancrées jusqu'aux superstitions et aux craintes relatives au danger que peut présenter l'exercice pour ce groupe d'âges. La recension qui suit constitue un examen critique de la recherche dans ce domaine en vue d'apprécier la capacité des personnes âgées pour l'exercice ainsi que le profit qu'elles peuvent en retirer. On y compare les études sur l'endurance avec les programmes d'exercices rhythmiques en fonction des avantages attestés, des procédures de sélection et des taux d'attrition. Les programmes d'exercice doux attirent un groupe plus représentatif de participants âgés et semblent rencontrer moins d'obstacles à la participation. L'incidence de ces observations sur la planification et la formation fait l'objet de considérations.

Keywords

exercise researchbarriers to exercisingexercise programming planningaged
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 5 , Issue 3 , Autumn/L'automne 1986 , pp. 175 - 188
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1986

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