Aging is associated with decline in a multitude of cognitive processes and brain functions. A growing body of literature suggests that decline in cognitive functioning of older adults can be reduced through memory training and physical activity. The purpose of this article was to examine the hypothesis that physical activity enhances cognitive functioning, to summarize the cross-sectional and intervention research in this area, and to discuss potential mechanisms underlying the cognitive improvement. Finally, some suggestions for future research are outlined.
The majority of elderly persons are still not sufficiently physically active. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate different approaches (physical activity courses, poster, online-survey) for activating elderly to participate in physical activity. The most effective approach was target group physical activity courses with which higher course participation rates in men as well as in people with lower levels of education were achieved. Referring to the transtheoretical model (TTM) it is necessary for future analyses of target group approaches to consider more intensely the initial motivational position of physically inactive elderly.
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