Promoting Well-Being in Old Age: The Psychological Benefits of Two Training Programs of Adapted Physical Activity.

Antonella Delle Fave,Daniela Mari,Marta Bassi,Giuseppina Bernardelli,Carlotta Roncaglione,Elena S Boccaletti

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00828

Abstract

In the last few decades, the relationship between physical conditions and mental health has increasingly attracted the interest of researchers and professionals across disciplines. This relationship is especially relevant in old age, as the challenges posed by aging at various levels represent crucial concerns for policy makers. Due to the remarkable increase in life expectancy across countries, sustainable prevention strategies are needed to help individuals preserve psychophysical well-being in old age. In particular, the regular practice of a moderately intense physical activity is recommended by the World Health Organization to enhance balance, prevent falls, strengthen muscles, and promote psychophysical well-being. Daily physical exercise represents a beneficial and low-cost strategy, easily accessible to the general population and potentially customizable to specific needs through brief training programs. Based on these premises, the present research aimed at longitudinally evaluating mental well-being among 58 Italian people aged 67–85, who were involved in two Adapted Physical Activity (APA) training programs. Inclusion criteria for participation comprised high autonomy levels in daily activities, no cognitive impairment, sedentary habits or only occasional performance of moderate physical activity. Based on physical and functional assessment, 39 participants joined a program of adapted motor activity (PoliFit; Study 1), while 19 participants attended a variant program specifically designed for people with osteoporosis (OsteoFit; Study 2). Well-being dimensions were assessed through the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Physical functioning were evaluated before and after the programs through the Short Physical Performance Battery and the Handgrip Dynamometer Jamar Test. Findings highlighted that, besides physical benefits, participants reported significantly more adaptive emotion regulation strategies after both training programs; in addition, participants attending OsteoFit reported significantly higher levels of emotional well-being. Results suggest the potential of moderate physical activity in promoting mental health, emphasizing the additional role of training programs as cost-effective opportunities for elderly people to socialize and improve emotional functioning. Overall, the findings support the view of old age as a stage of competence development and adaptive adjustment, rather than a phase of mere psychophysical decline.

Highlights

The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (WHO, 1986) provides guidelines for a global social action aimed at promoting citizens’ psychophysical well-being
Study 1 was conducted in order to evaluate the psychological outcomes of an adapted physical activities (APA) training program in a group of older adults in overall good health conditions, but showing sedentary habits both in daily life and in the typology of leisure activities usually practiced
At T0 participants reported a good level of mental health: None was languishing, and over one fourth were flourishing; their most frequent emotion regulation strategy was the adaptive one of cognitive reappraisal; and their life satisfaction levels were comparable to those reported by US older adults

Summary

Introduction

The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (WHO, 1986) provides guidelines for a global social action aimed at promoting citizens’ psychophysical well-being. According to the Charter, health promotion initiatives should foster individuals’ active control over their own health conditions, and personal engagement in improving them. The demographic and epidemiological changes that took place in the last few decades—including longer life expectancy, reduction in birth rates and childhood mortality, as well as increase in the number of years spent with chronic diseases (often related to unhealthy lifestyles)—have made the Ottawa guidelines a necessary reference point for policy makers and health professionals (Kickbusch, 2003). A core resource to achieve these goals is the promotion of citizens’ empowerment, active involvement, responsibility and self-determination in preserving and improving their own health conditions (Ng et al, 2012; Jeste and Palmer, 2013)

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