Physical Training and Well‐being in Older Adults with Mild Intellectual Disability: A Residential Care Study

Abstract

Background Exercise is important for health and well‐being. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical training on general well‐being and self‐image in older people with intellectual disability.Methods This study evaluated older adults with intellectual disability in residential care in Israel. The concept of well‐being perceived by the participants was measured by direct interview with a questionnaire consisting of 37 structural statements. The physical training programme was conducted three times a week for 10 consecutive months.Results Statistical analyses suggested a positive relationship between perceived well‐being and physical training between the experimental and control group.Conclusions This positive relation supports the important role of physical training to improve perceived well‐being among older adults with intellectual disability.