Physical Participation Among Older Adults Using Qualitative Research Methods

The oldest group were much less likely than younger people to be exercising to keep fit, relieve stress/relax, keep in shape or lose weight but instead more likely to be taking part for enjoyment and social aspects or because it helps with an injury/disability

Due to continuous changes in Australia’s demographics, the urgency of helping older adults to maintain high quality of life (QOL) has become evident. Life expectancy in Australia has been increasing and an average Australian is now expected to live to 82.2 years of age. The proportion of people age 65 and over increased from 11.8% to 14.7% during the period 1994-2014, and these numbers are more likely to grow in the future. This extended survival often results in declining health, which is not an inevitable part of aging. However, this does not necessarily translate into poor QOL. Lifestyle plays a major role in determining the QOL in older adults and exercise arguably is the major determinant of health. This paper discusses how exercise can effect the QOL life in older adults.

Age related changes could affect anyone’s quality of life. Chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes can affect physical activity. Limitations

The article, Exercise Program for Older Adults Improves Health and Catches on Around the Country, goes into depth about a program managed by senior services in Seattle, Washington, pertaining to a study on the elderly and the benefits of physical activity. Aging studies have found that people grow old at different rates, but it is inevitable that at some point there will be a decline in endurance, flexibility, balance and strength that occurs from natural aging. This natural occurrence has the possibility of leading to several negative impacts such as diminished independence and vitality which can lead to depression as well as increasing the likelihood of a disabling injury. After years of researching the positive benefits of physical activity, The University of Washington’s Health Promotion Research Center, a CDC Prevention Research Center (PRC), decided that they wanted to offer an exercise program in the setting of a community center. They thought it was wise to offer this program in a community based location like a senior center to promote dissemination and

With respect to older adults, studies have found that individuals with greater levels of self-efficacy are more likely to engage in physical activity and report better physical and mental health. Increased levels of confidence also appear to be generalizable to the other areas of an older person’s life that require some degree of physical activity.. This study suggests that a practical, low-cost and convenient physical activity program may improve some aspects of well-being among older adults. (p. 5).

This is an in depth review of the physical activity determinants of the elderly in the

Physical inactivity is risk factor for several chronic diseases, including obesity, depression, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes (Schuzer & Graves, 2004), disability and death (Lin et al , 2007). Exercise, by increasing fitness, can help lower the risks for these diseases (Brady & Nies, 1999; Resnick, 2001; Duchman & Berg, 2006; cited in Abolfazl et al, 2011), and help lower overall morbidity and mortality (Pate et al, 1995; cited in Schuzer & Graves, 2004) and is generally associated with physical and psychosocial benefits for older adults (Lin et al , 2007; Ringsberg et al 2001, cited in Abolfazl et al, 2011). Being physically fit also helps maintain functional ability and prolong independence across life span (Schuzer & Graves, 2004; Brady & Nies, 1999 cited in Abolfazl et al, 2011), which were two of the most cited factors by frail elders to consider themselves ‘healthy’ in a 2012 swedish study (Ebrahimi et al, 2012). Although exercise brings health benefits to elderly people, it’s a difficult task to persuade this age group to become physically active (Schuzer & Graves, 2004) and according to a 1996 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, older adults aged 65 and older have the highest inactivity level of all age groups (cited in Schuzer & Graves, 2004); with only one third of this population reporting regular exercise (Clark 1999, cited in Abolfazl et al,

According to the National Institute of Health, participating in regular exercise is one of the most beneficial things a senior can do for themselves. Not only does exercise produce many long-term health benefits, but it can help seniors maintain their independences and quality of life. The opposite is true as well, a sedentary lifestyle can be quite damaging to a seniors health. Per the NIH, "When older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they've aged. It's usually because they're not active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses."

The need for exercise is important for the aging population. There is a growing need for exercise since people are living longer. It prevents ADL disability and can help adults achieve a higher quality of life. The need to take care of older adults will continue to grow as we are living longer. As we age, we look to achieve an overall quality of life. Doing things that make us happy and that bring enjoyment to our life. In article, Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Older Adults, the effects of physical activity are associated with overall quality of life, “changes in physical activity[...] would be directly associated with changes in self-efficacy; changes in self-efficacy would be directly associated with changes in physical self-worth and disability; and changes in physical self-worth and disability would be directly associated with changes in global QOL” (Phillips, Wojcicki, & McAuley. 2013.) Older adults must go through the aging process and many people don’t like the idea of “growing old” physical activity is a lifestyle factor that reduces the effects of aging and gives older adults a community of people who all share the same

In the journal article, it discusses two main topics that coincide with older adults’ activity level. The two main topics that play a role in older adults are physical activity and social cognitions. It explains that physical activity gives individuals the better opportunity to stay healthy across their lifespan. Many older adults’ physical activity decreases with age starting at about seventy five years old. A small percentage of older adults perform physical activity about thirty minutes or more moderate physical activity on the average of a week. The article states that older adults must be aware of self; which allows conscious self-reflection. It is important for older adults to have an understanding of social and cognitive aspects of health

The purpose of “Aging and Active,” is to encourage elderly men and women populations to increase their physical activity levels, while gradually decreasing their poor health outcomes

Evans (1999) found that the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that anyone over the age of 50 consult a physician before participating in physical activity. However, he also found a questionnaire that can be used if an older person wants to participate in physical activity that is leisurely or has a low intensity. The questionnaire consists of 15 questions that ask about the person’s health and recent history. If any of the answers are “yes,” it is recommended that a physician be consulted before participating (Evans,

risks associated with inadequate physical activity is an important step in taking an active role in

In this article, Vincent Gremeaux, provides information on how as humans age our bodies start to degrade and how as we get older we need to develop health habits such as regular exercise and a healthy diet to make sure we live a longer and happier life. He outlines the specifics of exercise that involves cardiorespiratory and muscle fitness as well as flexibility and balance training. He notes that more studies are required on the elderly to provide specific recommendations for this age group but the benefits are gained from a long term regular fitness.

The need for evidence related to policy influences regarding physical activity are increasing in importance as government, communities, and health professionals implement new community-wide interventions to address health concerns (Schilling, Giles-Corti & Sallis, 2009). There is also growing acknowledgment that physical