Importance of Exercise for the Elderly: Literature Review

Importance of Exercise for the elder Literature Review athleticss studies with businessChapter 1 IntroductionThe importance of somatogenetic activity and physical fittingness in terms of health and longevity have been linked since the earliest records of organized exercise employ in health promotion (which were) found in China around 2500 B.C. (Hardman et al, 2003, p. 3). Hippocrates, who is often c altogethered the Father of new(a) Medicine, wrote all fibers of the body which have a function, if used in moderation and exercised in labours in which each is accustomed, require thereby healthy, sanitary-developed and come on more(prenominal) slowly, but if unused and left idle they become liable to disease, defective in growth and long time quickly (Hardman et al, 2003, p. 3).The link in the midst of exercise and health has been a long established circumstance in medicine that excessively traces back to Cicero in 44 BC (who was himself echoing Aristotle) who bel ieved that health as mavin ages is improved by having a good diet on with exercise and mental stimulation (Harlow, 2006). In incident, Cicero saw old age as something unless to happen to him when he was in his sixties and writing his treatise in an period when less than s steady percentage of the universe of discourse reached sixty (Harlow, 2006). The preceding three factors of diet, exercise and mental stimulation as mentioned by Cicero are ingredients that are present in when one write in codes in blusters.The subject of elderly association in profligate activities in the get together estate represents one of considerable importance as the percentage of cured heavy(a)s increases in proportion to the UKs total macrocosm. This examination shall seek to equate the spokespersonicipation rates for brags in the United land, delving into how, and if amicable ground level represents a contributing factor concerning the potential of this group take part in dra matic playing activities in later emotional rural area. The prospect of sport participation in later behavior shall also be undertaken along with whether social class enters into this facet as closely concerning participation rates.The importance of age is impacting the tribe in the United Kingdom whereby the number of people over the age of 65 has increased to 16 percent, with the age group 85 and older comprising 12 percent of the total population (National Statistics, 2007). The signifi supportce of the introductory is that people are life longer as a result of better nutrition, health care, and living conditions as sanitary as life styles (Quanten, 2004). Interestingly, Quanten (2004) makes the observation that medical science has determined that our basis for astute the longevity of ancient refinings is faulty in that the technique utilized in estimating age was based upon atomic number 76 density. The bone samples habitually belonged to middle healed men and women , thus the formula utilized to determine age was based upon the weakening of said density which was slower then than it is now (Quanten, 2004). Thus it was found that the inclination of age has been seriously under represented, putting the average life span of early man in the range of somewhere between 80 and 100 socio-economic classs, meaning that in modern terms civilization has lost ground in ageing as opposed to gaining, as was the consensus of thought (Quanten, 2004). Evidence living the preceding in todays world can be found in the fact that there are m some(prenominal) examples of individuals living to 120 to 130 years, with the vast majority of them living in extreme conditions where a high degree of physical labour is required for survival, as represented by jungles untouched by modern society, and harsh climates as found in Northern Russia (Quanten, 2004). The common fact linking the ancient use up and present day examples of individuals living 120 to 130 years is tha t their environments were and are more physical in their demands, with the lifestyles requiring more exercise.Kligman and Pepin (1992, pp. 33-34, 37-44. 47), the American College of Sports Medicine (1998, pp. 992-1008), Dishman (1994, pp. 1087-1094) and Nelson et al (1991, pp. 1304-1311) along with numerous other sources all attest to the benefits of exercise in early life as well as throughout life as beneficial in staving off disease as well as prolonging life. Studies as task by Shepard (1993, pp. 61-64) and, Paffenbarger et al (1989, pp. 605-613) for example, cite incidences in Finland as well as Harvard University in the United States where those who systematically exercised lived on average 2 to 3 years longer that their more sedentary counterparts.The foregoing sketch examples and analysis of age and exercise has been conducted to provide an initial foundation for understanding the framework of this examination which shall debate into elderly sports participation rates i n the United Kingdom. The topic of this study is to attempt to determine, if possible, how social class affects the likelihood of doing sporting activities in later life, with its aim to see if social class does have an twist on people taking/carrying on sporting activity in this context. In conducting this examination, the foregoing also seek to compare individuals in the age group representing 55 years of age and higher up who participate in sporting activities against those who do not through a comparison of their social class backgrounds as represented by working middle class and upper middle class classifications to determine if any correlation exists.Chapter 2 Literature ReviewResnick et al (2006, p. 174), in Screening for and Prescribing Exercise for Older Adults intimate that there is substantial scientific evidence that supports the benefits of exercise in maintaining function, health, and overall quality of life for older adults. The article advises that physical acti vity represents one of the greatest opportunities to extend an individuals active as well as independent life and reduce the incidence of disability, and that regular physical activity by older adults are more likely to have better health (Resnick et al, 2006, pp. 174-182). In spite of the pardon evidence of the preceding, most adults do not participate or plight in either sport or physical activity, and unfortunately the prescription of a regular physical regime is not hitherto a routine clinical practice (Resnick et al, 2006, pp. 174-182). The article went on to state that the best methodology via which to engage in a sport or physical exercise is to offset seek the aid of a physician to reach a determination of ones present medical and physical state in order for a person to understand the types of activities they should / can engage in, as well as seeking help with a program to ease them into a proper regime.The Council of atomic number 63 (1993) defines sport as encompass ing all forms of physical activity which includes casual participation for which the aim of the activity is to improve physical fitness and mental well- cosmos along with the formation of social relationships and or obtaining competitive results. As such, the foregoing expands what one traditionally understands as the defintion of sport into a broader context that includes individual sport as well as fitness activities that include certain dance activities, and aerobics along with walking and cycling (Rowe et al, 2004). The Council of Europes (1993) definition includes informal and casual participation, along with the more serious club and professional pursuits (Rowe et al, 2004). The study conducted by Rowe et al (2004) defined participation as at least once a hebdomad in the activity, and found that the evidence collected indicated that the United Kingdom had moved towards stagnation with visit to participation levels. The following chart reflects these findings shelve 1 Spo rt, Game and Phyisical Activity Participation in the United Kingdom(Rowe et al, 2004)The preceding indicates the fluctuating levels of particpation occuring at the rate of at least one time a calendar week over a four week period for the indicated periods. The following Table shows the foregoing, but excludes walking.Table 2 Participation in Sports, Games and Physical Activity(Excludes walking)(Rowe et al, 2004)Social class differences explored in the study by Rowe et al (2004) showed a marked difference in sport participation between the highest and lowest social classifications, as one would expect owing to differences in the ability to spend time on pursuits as a result of disposable income and time, in addition to living closer to facilities and or having the transportation and or a circle of friends who also participate, thus making sport an increased part of their lifestyle.Table 3 Differences in Social Class, Sport Participation 1987 1996(Rowe et al, 2004)Table 4 Project ed Chanages in Number of Sport Participants between 1996 2026, Based on Trends Established 1990 1996(Rowe et al, 2004)The total number of estimated particpants in varied sports activity is shown projected into the year 2026 in the above Table. The increased number is due to the rise of the number of people in these age groups as opposed to actual increased participation (Rowe et al, 2004). Older aged individuals, as shown by Tables 1 and 2 have significantly lower sport activity participation rates which to a monumental degree, as expressed in the study conducted by Rowe et al (2004), is due to reduced participation in their social group, aliments, lack of income, non-inclusion in their lifestyle as well as being uninformed that sport and exercise represent a healthful benefit that should be continued throughout an individuals life.Thurston and Green (2004, pp. 379-387) support the previous contention of the development of more active lifestyles for older individuals, as does the division of Health (1995) in their document More People, More Active, More Often. Physical Activity in England, and subdivision of Health douments in the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 that all make references to the overwhelming evidence that indicates that frequent and regular physical activity is beneficial to health. The foregoing includes an increased life expectancy, diabetes, control over obesity, reduction in coronary heart disease, positive health outcomes, increased mobility and coordination as well as other benefits (Thurston and Green, 2004, pp. 379-387). Studies have shown that all the same if an adult begins sport and exercise programs as late as 60 years of age they can improve their life expectancy by 1 to 2 years, however 40% of adults in the above 60 year age group do not partake in such a regime even if they were aware of the benefits (Thurston and Green, 2004, pp. 379-387).The understanding of the importance of the older generation as a part of the overall n ational profile as well as economic, health, medical and social system, the House of Lords publish is document titled ageing scientific Aspects, in 2005 (House of Lords, 2005). The Report stated that the economic implications of changing life expectancy are of great importance , with the urgency of these matters made plain from statistics that point out for the first time the number of people in England and Wales aged 60 and over was greater than the number aged under 16 (House of Lords, 2005). When the figures for what is termed the oldest old, meaning individuals above the age of 85 are included, the implications are even more strikingTable 5 Oldest Old Comparisons, UK and the World(House of Lords, 2005)The growth rate of the aging population in the United Kingdom is outstripping the global rate to the point whereby the UK is projected to reach a figure of 20% of its total population in 2020, fully thirty years before the global population will reach that figure, thus makin g the prospect of old age health an principal(prenominal) one for the country.Table 6 Life Expectancy, United Kingdom(House of Lords, 2005)The above Table indicates that the life expectancy in England is higher when counted alone. In examining the elderly sports participation rate for the older population in the United Kingdom utilizing social class distinctions, it is important equate the defining aspects of these groups. The following defines the preceding as found in the House of Lords document Aging Scientific AspectsTable 7 Social Class Segments(House of Lords, 2005)Table 8 Life Expectancy by Social Class(House of Lords, 2005)The preceding Table represented an aid in the later determination of social class and if this factor has any bearing, and or influence upon participation in carrying on sporting activities in later life. The House of Lords report on Aging Scientific Aspects did indicate through the study of varied reports as well as consultations that it came to the co nclusion, which is a consensus view, that aging is caused by lifelong accumulation of molecular and cellular damage as opposed to the theory of a rigid inner clock (House of Lords, 2005). Importantly, the Report indicated that the process of aging is more malleable than has been generally comprehended and that the mechanisms governing health in old age are processes that are ongoing throughout the lives of individuals (House of Lords, 2005). In reference to the implications of this examination, the Report summarized what appears to be a consensus view regarding the key factors promoting good health as well as slowing down the ageing process as (House of Lords, 2005)physical activityhaving a social role and functiongood nutritionabsence of risk factors such as smoking and drink to excess andgood mental health and well-beingThe Report stressed that physical activity represents a key facet of good health and is the major modifiable influence on health in old age (House of Lords, 2005). In making such a statement the Report referred to The Royal auberge of Edinburgh which stated that exercise has been shown as being a critical factor in maintaining as well as modestly increasing bone density of adults, and more importantly can aid in the minimization of bone loss in older individuals (House of Lords, 2005). The overall Report on Aging Scientific Aspects provided key background information that proved helpful, with regard to general information, and indispensable with regard to demographic groups, exercise, and the brasss recognition of the importance of the issue as well as the specific and key realisation of key points.With regard to sport, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (2007a) aims to encourage wider sports participation, and in regard to the focus of this examination, to promote sport at the grassroots level, which has implications concerning facilities that the older generation either has available, and or needs (Department for Cu lture, Media and Sport, 2007b). In its Report Where are we Now The State of Sport Today, it clarifies that the government does not run sport, but recognizes it as an important factor in the health, and well being of children, adults, and the older generation (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b). Overall, across all age and demographic groups, the United Kingdom ranks in the middle of the European Union in sports participation by the general public, as shown by the followingTable 9 European Union General cosmos Sport Participation(In Percent)(Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b)In terms of intensity, individuals in the United Kingdom participate in sports on a less regular basis, and with less intensity (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b). The last aspect does not have applicability with regard to older adults, however the former is a telling statistics concerning its bearing on older sports participation.Table 10 UK Sport Participation(In perce nt)(Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b)Rate of IntensityThe following table indicates the rates of participation of residents in the UK.Table 11 Competitive and Organized Sport Participation in the UK(Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b)The Report indicates participation rates among social economic groups varies, however it does not break out these statistics into age groups.Table 12 UK General Population Sports Participation by Social Economic Group(Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b)Table 13 UK Sport Participation by Ethnic Minority(Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b)Sport England (2005) undertook a study that systematically reviewed published and unpublished inquiry studies regarding children, and adult reasons concerning participation as well as non-participation in sport, which this examination utilized to add to the other research and literature sources. An important facet that was identified in the study was one representing an individuals face-to-face appearance and proficiency levels. The preceding two aspects are generally overlooked factors that are a part of a persons sport participation consideration. The very real concern of having an unfit body, being out of shape, not able to conduct certain aspects of sport participation performance on a level that could potentially lead to personal embarrassment, are very real concerns that could and do enter into dissuading individuals from participating in a sporting activity (Sport England, 2005).Facilities and availability are also factors that enter into the participation equation, along with costs. For example, the incidence of parks, walkways, golf, tennis, cricket, bicycle paths, gym facilities and the like are more likely to be located estimable to upper income neighbourhoods than lower income