Physical Activities and its Effect on memory of The Elderly

Abstract

Background: Physical activity generally refers to movement that enhances health. Any body movement that works muscles and requires more energy than resting. Aim: the study aimed to assess physical activity and its effect on memory of the elderly Research design: Descriptive analytic design was utilized in this study. Settings: The study was conducted in Geriatric home at Suez Canal University. Subjects: A convenient sample of 60 older adults, from the previous setting at age 60 or higher, without cognitive impairments. Tools of data collection: First tool: Interviewing questionnaire, it was composed of 4 parts, part one: socio-demographic data, part two: Medical history, and nutritional style. Part three: Assess elderly's knowledge regarding to physiological changes, physical activity, and exercise. Part four: Assess elderly's practice regarding to physical activities, and exercise. Second tool: Observational checklist, it was composed of 4 parts, Part one: Assess elderly's general health. Part two: Assess elderly's activities of daily living. Part three: Assess elderly's mini mental state. Results: Regarding to elderly' knowledge, the current study shows that, all 100.0% of the elderly had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding physiological changes, importance of physical activity, exercise, and memory. The present study also shows that, all 100.0% of the elderly had poor practice of physical activity. The current study represents that, few 2.9% of the elderly had poor practice, around one fifth 15.7% had average practice, majority 81.4% had good practice of activity of daily living, and no one of the elderly had stupor, one third 34.3% had drowsy, and two thirds 65.7% had alert of mini mental state. Conclusion: Elderly in the current study lacked appropriate knowledge, practices, activity of daily living, and mini mental state were mostly unsatisfactory. Recommendations: Health team member should be planning and implemented several health educational programs regarding physical activities, which types of eating and drinks that enhancing memory and brain function for elderly people in geriatric home, Conducting physical activity programs for older persons that can be safe, effective in community settings, and low cost therapeutic approach, and members of health team should be planning and implemented several health educational programs regarding physical activities, which types of eating and drinks that enhancing memory and brain function for elderly people in geriatric home