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

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.

Satisfaction with Life, Subjective Well-Being and Functional Skills in Active Older Adults Based on Their Level of Physical Activity Practice

“…In this regard, physical activity is one of the most important resources to improving health and quality of life in older adults, which has been revealed by different studies [6][7][8]. In addition to this, many authors have shown that physical activity improves the functional abilities of older adults [9][10][11] as well as their quality of life [12].…”

Sociodemographic Factors’ Association with Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Psychosocial Wellbeing: The Greek Context

“…At the same time, it is important to emphasize that this relationship is reciprocal; not only does health affect wellbeing, but wellbeing and happiness also influence physical functioning and longevity among healthy populations, indicating that happiness might be a protective factor against illness (Veenhoven, 2007). Individuals who feel happy can better attain resources to create healthier living conditions and habits, including active engagement in physical activity and health behaviors (Delle Fave et al, 2018;Diener & Seligman, 2004). Moreover, such individuals are better prepared to respond to health problems and manage health issues more effectively (Schimmel, 2009).…”

Indicators and Index of Elderly Well-Being to Support an Age–Friendly City

“…This was also stated by (Roberts et al, 2017), who stated that the ability to carry out basic activities could be used to refer to the continuation of old age and the desire to remain independent and to have a good quality of life. The ability to work independently contributes significantly to the quality of life of the elderly, and it is associated with psychological well-being (Fave et al, 2018).…”

“…The view of well-being lies in the approach used in interpreting well-being. Well-being starts from the study of social and economic perspective approaches, where social well-being is a state of human life that is created when facing various social problems that can be managed properly (Fave et al, 2018). The wellbeing study in this research uses being 60 years of age and over to refer to the elderly, which includes their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual wellbeing.…”