Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the differences pre- and post-test after introducing an aerobic program of physical activity in the psychological and physical self-reported condition (feelings of depression, perception that one’s own health limits physical activities, negative self-perception, and execution of activities of daily living) of a group of elderly Italians deemed to be slightly compromised based on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE: median 23) and living in a residential care facility in northern Italy. The self-reported measures were drawn from the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the Italian short version of Scale of basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The participants were 17 elderly people of both genders (10 women and 7 men), with a median age of 85.56 years. The findings (we used non-parametric statistical techniques) showed that: 1) dropping activities/interests (due to feelings of depression) and taking a bath/shower autonomously (from activities of daily living) improved in women; 2) perceiving health as a limitation to moderate physical activity and feeling really down (based on negative self-perception) improved in men. These results underscore the importance of considering gender differences when evaluating the relationships between participation in physical activity and the psychological and physical condition of the elderly.
Highlights
Demographic data and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the prolongation of the life span leads to increasing disabilities in the oldest and frailest group of the population (Aromaa & Koskinen, 2004; Stenzelius et al, 2005; WHO, 2002)
The director of the residential care facility, who is a trained physician, selected the elderly people to participate in the aerobic program from among all those living in the facility
The study aimed to describe the relationships between the participation in a program of physical activity, delivered by one specially trained instructor, among a group of elderly Italian people living in a residential care facility
Summary
Demographic data and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the prolongation of the life span leads to increasing disabilities in the oldest and frailest group of the population (Aromaa & Koskinen, 2004; Stenzelius et al, 2005; WHO, 2002). Data indicate that this age group represents the fastest growing population group. The same report highlighted that the current gender difference - namely, that elderly women outnumber elderly men two to one - will disappear over time. These universal tendencies will transform the role of the elderly. The loss of autonomy together with the increasing likelihood of disease that often accompanies aging makes research into preventive and health promotion interventions increasingly important as it may contribute to improving seniors’ quality of life
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