Active and fit while climbing the ladder of life

Abstract

Following an introduction on Israel’s population, specifically depicting on the older population, this chapter examines patterns of physical activity in older adults in Israel. In addition to governmental sources providing information on physical activity in old age as compared to other age groups, the chapter examines research projects on physical activity in relation to demographic, health, and psycho-social aspects. All publications are based on large random samples of older adult Israelis. Based on this research, more men than women, more Jews than Arabs, and more secular than religious people adhere to physical activity guidelines, recommended by official organizations. Based on longitudinal studies of the same cohort, as people get older they are less active, while based on successive cohorts, there is an increase in physical activity in old age. There is a clear association between physical activity, health, longevity, and hospitalization. There is also association between physical activity, social connectedness, and psychological functioning. In most cases, these associations are dose dependent, meaning more physical activity is related to more favorable outcomes.