Physical Activity in the Older Adults: A Review of the Benefits and Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Aging through Exercise
This literature review examines the advantages of regular physical activity for older individuals, who often experience declines in physical and cognitive capabilities that impact their health and quality of life. Regular exercise has been demonstrated to counteract many age-related negative effects...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jiag.jiag_49_24 |
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| _version_ | 1846128994545565696 |
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| author | Jegarajah Indrakumar Shehan Silva |
| author_facet | Jegarajah Indrakumar Shehan Silva |
| author_sort | Jegarajah Indrakumar |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This literature review examines the advantages of regular physical activity for older individuals, who often experience declines in physical and cognitive capabilities that impact their health and quality of life. Regular exercise has been demonstrated to counteract many age-related negative effects by improving cardiovascular health, including enhanced heart function, increased circulation, and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease while promoting longevity. In addition, resistance training is beneficial in preserving muscle mass and strength, which is crucial for maintaining independence and preventing falls. Furthermore, resistance training can improve bone density, preventing osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. Furthermore, physical activity supports brain health by promoting neurogenesis, preventing cerebral atrophy, and enhancing neuroplasticity, which can lead to improved cognition, memory, and executive function. Exercise can also alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety, significantly enhancing mental well-being. Virtual group-based exercise programs have been found to effectively reduce depressive symptoms and promote social engagement, combating loneliness and improving emotional well-being. The review emphasizes the extensive benefits of regular physical activity for older adults, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health improvements, cognitive function, and mental well-being. It recommends implementing tailored exercise programs and community-based initiatives and using technological tools to encourage and monitor physical activity among older individuals, which is vital for enhancing their quality of life. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d72a8feac7f7456283db7a813ab47b1b |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 0974-3405 0974-2484 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-11-01 |
| publisher | Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics |
| spelling | doaj-art-d72a8feac7f7456283db7a813ab47b1b2024-12-10T10:58:31ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics0974-34050974-24842024-11-0120420721310.4103/jiag.jiag_49_24Physical Activity in the Older Adults: A Review of the Benefits and Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Aging through ExerciseJegarajah IndrakumarShehan SilvaThis literature review examines the advantages of regular physical activity for older individuals, who often experience declines in physical and cognitive capabilities that impact their health and quality of life. Regular exercise has been demonstrated to counteract many age-related negative effects by improving cardiovascular health, including enhanced heart function, increased circulation, and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease while promoting longevity. In addition, resistance training is beneficial in preserving muscle mass and strength, which is crucial for maintaining independence and preventing falls. Furthermore, resistance training can improve bone density, preventing osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. Furthermore, physical activity supports brain health by promoting neurogenesis, preventing cerebral atrophy, and enhancing neuroplasticity, which can lead to improved cognition, memory, and executive function. Exercise can also alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety, significantly enhancing mental well-being. Virtual group-based exercise programs have been found to effectively reduce depressive symptoms and promote social engagement, combating loneliness and improving emotional well-being. The review emphasizes the extensive benefits of regular physical activity for older adults, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health improvements, cognitive function, and mental well-being. It recommends implementing tailored exercise programs and community-based initiatives and using technological tools to encourage and monitor physical activity among older individuals, which is vital for enhancing their quality of life.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jiag.jiag_49_24balance flexibilitycardiovascular healthcognitive functiondementia preventionexercisemusculoskeletal healtholder adultsquality of lifesarcopaenia |
| spellingShingle | Jegarajah Indrakumar Shehan Silva Physical Activity in the Older Adults: A Review of the Benefits and Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Aging through Exercise Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics balance flexibility cardiovascular health cognitive function dementia prevention exercise musculoskeletal health older adults quality of life sarcopaenia |
| title | Physical Activity in the Older Adults: A Review of the Benefits and Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Aging through Exercise |
| title_full | Physical Activity in the Older Adults: A Review of the Benefits and Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Aging through Exercise |
| title_fullStr | Physical Activity in the Older Adults: A Review of the Benefits and Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Aging through Exercise |
| title_full_unstemmed | Physical Activity in the Older Adults: A Review of the Benefits and Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Aging through Exercise |
| title_short | Physical Activity in the Older Adults: A Review of the Benefits and Recommendations for Promoting Healthy Aging through Exercise |
| title_sort | physical activity in the older adults a review of the benefits and recommendations for promoting healthy aging through exercise |
| topic | balance flexibility cardiovascular health cognitive function dementia prevention exercise musculoskeletal health older adults quality of life sarcopaenia |
| url | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jiag.jiag_49_24 |
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