Physical activity and successful aging

Abstract

Successful aging is best described as aging well in spite of the aging process. Rowe and Kahn (1987) proposed that successful aging was a "state of being" and they developed a multifaceted model comprised of low probability of disease and disability, high physical and cognitive functioning, and active engagement in life. The overall goal of this model was to encourage older adults to make lifestyle choices that would maximize their own likelihood of maintaining a high quality of life in old age. Whereas physical activity has been shown to have positive effects on both physical and mental health with increasing age, little is known about the contribution it makes to successful aging. This symposium highlights current research covering a range of topics, including role models for participation and seniors' perceptions (Horton & Deakin), age-related decline in performance (Logan & Baker), the role of physical activity in defining successful aging (Weir), and an examination of the intensity and frequency of participation (Baker & Logan). ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR