Benefits of physical activity for the promotion of active aging in elderly. bibliographic review

Abstract

A significant change is taking place nowadays, i.e. the progressive tendency to aging of the elderly population: longevity is a very latent characteristic in our society. This change is favoring the development of various policies for the preparation of the population towards an active and healthy aging, taking into account the benefits of physical activity for its promotion. The main objective of this study is to review the bibliography on the positive impact of physical activity on elders’ well-being associated with healthy aging. Studies collected in the Web of Science database were chosen from those journals with the highest impact index. The sample consisted of 15 articles, which were thoroughly studied so to break down the most relevant information. The articles were selected taking into account the following variables: objectives, design, sample and instruments, and results. The analyzed articles showed how daily practice of physical activity increases self-esteem levels, affects elderly’s happiness, contributes to improving self-care competence, promotes corporal scheme integration, facilitates intergenerational relations, increases social participation, creates positive changes in lifestyle, improves sleep quality, reduces anxiety, stress, depression and insomnia, and reinforces intellectual activity due to good cerebral oxygenation, among other effects. In the third age it is necessary to promote an active and healthy aging based on the promotion of physical activity.