Exercise and Quality of Life for the Elderly

The goals for exercise in the elderly are related to minimizing biological changes of ageing, reversing disuse syndromes, controlling chronic diseases, maximizing physiological health, increasing mobility and functioning and assisting with rehabilitation from acute and chronic illnesses (Mazzeo et al 1998).

Gains in balance, gait and strength by the elderly when they exercise contribute to an increase in their quality of life (Buchner 1992).

There have been many intervention studies which have found that exercise can improve gait and balance and also decrease the pain and joint stiffness associated with arthritis (Buchner 1992). This has the combined effect of increasing mobility by increasing muscle mass and bone strength (Buchner 1992).

The role of exercise in the elderly has many effects on quality of life. One main effect is the reduction in the risk of developing chronic disease and secondly is the rise in self-esteem, independence and mobility that is gained through exercise.

It has been demonstrated that exercise plays an important role in managing the chronic disease associated with ageing. Of particular benefit appears to be the role that aerobic training can play in managing all of these diseases. It does however seem important that moderate-high intensities be used in the elderly rather than the low-moderate intensities that are prescribed for the general population.

The role that resistance training plays in managing many of these diseases needs to be further researched. In preventing osteoporosis, it does seem that exercises that produce GRF and JRF to the skeleton are important. Not only does exercise play an important role in managing diseases in the elderly it also improves balance and gait enabling then to maintain their independence, mobility and self esteem and increase their quality of life.

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