Book•
Physical dimensions of aging
01 Jun 1995-
TL;DR: Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition as discussed by the authors has been updated to integrate research findings on physical aging from more than 100 different journals in myriad fields, creating interdisciplinary coverage on the topic and providing students and professionals with what they need to know about physical aging in order to conduct clinical research and to work with clients and patients.
Abstract: The physical aging process progresses every day--and so does our understanding of it. "Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition, " will keep students and professionals up to date on the outcomes of the latest research studies and their implications for the elderly in the real world. Physical aging affects us cognitively, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. The book discusses how people age physically and how this aging affects other dimensions of life.The second edition of "Physical Dimensions of Aging" has been updated to integrate research findings on physical aging from more than 100 different journals in myriad fields, creating interdisciplinary coverage on the topic. It provides students and professionals with what they need to know about physical aging in order to conduct clinical research and to work with clients and patients. In doing so, it retains its landmark status as the definitive reference on aging.Moreover, "Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition, " focuses less on explaining the measurement techniques and research design and more on the outcome of the studies and their practical implications for everyday living. This approach will enable professionals and students to do the following: -Understand the physical aging process and its effects on other dimensions of life.-Apply the latest research in working with adults and the elderly.-Become more effective in their professions.The structure of this new edition is more conducive to learning and features the following: -Chapter objectives-Key terms-Sidebars of capsule research studies-Testimonials, vignettes, and other tidbits that tie the research information to the real world-Review questions to assist students in synthesizing and remembering the information-Short lists of recommended reading for those who want to pursue the topic in more detail-A glossary at the end of the bookThis second edition is organized into five parts. Part I provides an introduction to aging, to the field of gerontology, and to the research process for studying individual differences. Part II describes the physical changes in structure, capacity, and endurance. Part III overviews the factors related to motor coordination, motor control, and skill learning for older adults. Part IV addresses physical-psychosocial relationships, including health, exercise, and cognitive function as well as health-related expectations of quality of life for older adults. Part V highlights physical performance and achievement especially to showcase the results from consistent effort and hard work of physically elite older adults as inspiration for others.At a time when many people are telling older adults what they can't do, professionals should be telling them what they can do. "Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition, " will equip professionals to do so.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the development and validation of a functional fitness test battery that can assess the physiologic parameters that support physical mobility in older adults, including upper and lower body strength, aerobic endurance, lower and upper body flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance.
Abstract: Preventing or delaying the onset of physical frailty is an increasingly important goal because more individuals are living well into their 8th and 9th decades. We describe the development and validation of a functional fitness test battery that can assess the physiologic parameters that support physical mobility in older adults. The procedures involved in the test development were (a) developing a theoretical framework for the test items, (b) establishing an advisory panel of experts, (c) determining test selection criteria, (d) selecting the test items, and (e) establishing test reliability and validity. The complete battery consists of 6 items (and one alternative) designed to assess the physiologic parameters associated with independent functioning—lower and upper body strength, aerobic endurance, lower and upper body flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance. We also assessed body mass index as an estimate of body composition. We concluded that the tests met the established criteria for scientific rigo...
1,689 citations
TL;DR: Heyn et al. as discussed by the authors performed a meta-analysis to determine whether physical exercises are beneficial for people with dementia and related cognitive impairments, and they found that exercise training increases fitness, physical function, cognitive function, and positive behavior in elderly persons with dementia.
1,206 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the identification of reliable predictors of exercise adherence will allow healthcare providers to effectively intervene and change patterns of physical activity in sedentary elderly patients, because older patients respect their physician's advice and have regular contact with their family doctor, physicians can play a key and pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of exercise behavior among the older population.
973 citations
TL;DR: Physical activity had the strongest effects on self-efficacy, and improvements in cardiovascular status, strength, and functional capacity were linked to well-being improvement overall, and social-cognitive theory is used to explain the effect of physical activity on well- being.
Abstract: A meta-analysis examined data from 36 studies linking physical activity to well-being in older adults without clinical disorders. The weighted mean-change effect size for treatment groups (d(C). = 0.24) was almost 3 times the mean for control groups (d(C). = 0.09). Aerobic training was most beneficial (d(C). = 0.29), and moderate intensity activity was the most beneficial activity level (d(C). = 0.34). Longer exercise duration was less beneficial for several types of well-being, though findings are inconclusive. Physical activity had the strongest effects on self-efficacy (d(C).= 0.38), and improvements in cardiovascular status, strength, and functional capacity were linked to well-being improvement overall. Social-cognitive theory is used to explain the effect of physical activity on well-being.
888 citations
Cites background from "Physical dimensions of aging"
...Perhaps after relatively little exercise activity, individuals can realize the increased weight they can lift or the increased distance they can walk, which may stimulate an increased sense of control and general well-being (Spirduso, 1995)....
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...Losses of physical competence are particularly difficult for individuals who have high internal standards like athletes and musicians (Spirduso, 1995), for whom physical achievement plays a large, if not dominating, role in life....
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TL;DR: Results from the following study indicated that non-fallers have significantly faster reaction times, have higher scores on the Berg balance scale and the ABC scale as well as sway at slower frequencies when compared to fallers.
860 citations