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Introduction: New Paradigms of Active Ageing

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Active Ageing and Physical Activity

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Well-Being and Quality of Life Research ((BRIEFSWELLBEING))

Abstract

The main purpose of this chapter is to describe active ageing as a continuous and unavoidable process. An integrated and holistic approach is needed, which highlights the advantages of psychomotricity and gerontomotricity. Such an approach can decrease physical and social isolation in the elderly, and even help them to find their affordances. Therefore, their opportunities for socialization and recreation can be increased. Elderly quality of life stretches beyond the physical and biological dimensions. Healthy ageing presupposes a dynamic balance between body, cognition and affection. The elderly think, feel and move differently. Therefore, they require special care concerning their physical activity and the management of the organic, nutritional and physiological aspects that affect their ageing bodies. From this perspective, the topic of active ageing comprehends healthy lifestyles and physical activity. These recommendations, which are widely known in Western societies, aim to prevent disease and promote health. In addition, active ageing, in the broad sense, should assume a paradigm shift that adequately responds to aspects related with the increase in longevity, quality of life and health among the older people. According to the state of the art, physical activity can play a crucial role in the protection against age-related morbidity and in the increase of longevity. Regardless of the age when physical activity starts, changes in sedentary patterns, even among those older than 85, can substantially reduce mortality and functional disability. The adaptations introduced in the movement, if performed adequately, may contribute to improve not only individuals’ health, but also their quality of life. Finally, physical activity may effectively improve ability by improving several functions of the body, such as strength, flexibility, resistance and general physical aptitude. However, it is necessary to adapt physical activity recommendations to older people, in order to cater for their specific needs. It is also essential to use several types of exercise which can correct or improve the functional limitations identified.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    ONU—United Nations (1998). Department of Economic and Social Affairs: World Population Projections to 2150.

    ONU—United Nations (2001). Department of Economic and Social Affairs: World Population Prospects: The 2000 Revision.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education (CIDAF), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    Gonçalo Nuno Figueiredo Dias

  2. Ingeniarius, Ltd, Coimbra, Portugal

    Micael Santos Couceiro

  3. Center Delegation of Portuguese Cardiology Foundation, Coimbra, Portugal

    Polybio Serra e Silva & Maria Aurora Branquinho

  4. Coimbra School of Health Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra (ESTeSC), Coimbra, Portugal

    Maria António Castro

  5. Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra (ESEC.IPC), Coimbra, Portugal

    Rui Mendes

  6. Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal

    Inês Cláudia Rijo de Carvalho

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  1. Gonçalo Nuno Figueiredo Dias
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Dias, G. et al. (2017). Introduction: New Paradigms of Active Ageing. In: Active Ageing and Physical Activity. SpringerBriefs in Well-Being and Quality of Life Research. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52063-6_1

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