Physical and Cognitive Activity and Exercise for Older Adults: A Review

Abstract

Age-related reduction in musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and central nervous system resilience can result in wide-ranging limitations in adaptive capacity associated with negative outcomes such as cognitive decline, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, mobility problems, and increased incidence of debilitating falls. This article reviews the benefits of both cognitive and physical activity within the broad context of multiple system resilience in adult aging. Research on a unique form of combined physical/cognitive exercise, Tai Chi Chuan, is presented. The relationship between physiological and psychological gain associated with an activity intervention program is discussed in light of principles of rehabilitation, intervention compliance, subjective and objective gain, and the hypothesized value of combining physical exercise, cognitive exercise, and relaxation into a single program designed to promote resilience in older adults.

Frequency of Going Outdoors as a Good Predictors for Incident Disability of Physical Function as well as Disability Recovery in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Rural Japan

“…Additionally, because the frequency of going outdoors is directly linked to levels of physical activity and social engagement among community-dwelling older people, 4,5 which are important for physical and mental functioning in older persons, [6][7][8][9][10] it can be hypothesized that an increased frequency of going outdoors could actually help preserving functioning in later life. To our knowledge, only one recent longitudinal study 11 examined the association between the frequency of going outdoors and functioning in later life.…”

“…4,5 Appropriate levels of physical activity and social engagement have been documented to have advantages for maintaining physical function and mental health in later life. [6][7][8][9][10] It is plausible to consider that increased frequency of going outdoors actually exert a protective effect on physical disability by way of increased physical activity and social engagement. Nonetheless, the possibility that frequency of going outdoors is merely a marker of other causal risk factors, such as disease burden and health status, cannot be excluded.…”

Effect of Multi-Purpose Activity Training on Cognitive Functions in the Elderly Living at Home And in a Resthouse

“…21 Deman sı ol ma yan ki şi le rin ke li me akı cı lı ğı tes tin de 18 hay van is mi sa ya bil me si bek le nir. Bu sa yı nın 12'den az ol ma sı anor mal bir du rum dur.…”

Evaluation of a technology enabled garment for older walkers

“…The trend of the population growth coupled with falling birth rates has resulted in an ever-increasing older population [1] with one in three suffering from at least one chronic condition [2]. The World Health Organization defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" [3].…”