Lecture 4 - Physical Activity in Older Adults

Question 1

how will the aging population in Canada and NB increase from now to 2036

Answer 1

In Canada, the aging population (60+) will increase from 4.2 million to 9.8 million by 2036
- In NB, the last census states that we have more 65+ ppl than we do under 18

Question 2

why are people living longer?

Answer 2

Lifestyle factors
- PA is more regular in older individuals
- generally healthier lifestyles (not smoking)
- socially integrated networks (ppl are interacting with others more)
- cognitive leisure activities

Question 3

why is PA good for older adults

Answer 3

• physical benefits
• improvements in MH
• disease prevention
• independence (older ppl are more independent when they’re fit)
• better emotional and social wellbeing

Question 4

how many older people are physically active

Answer 4

• few older adults meet the minimum PA guidelines (just like younger ppl)
• 35% of adults 65-74y/o are inactive (significantly less than PA guidelines)
• 44% of adults 75+ are inactive
• older women are more active and tend to live longer

Question 5

can the benefits of PA continue through life?

Answer 5

studies show that activities that are done in middle aged life, then the person stops, show no long term benefits (i ran marathons in my 20s so my heart is great at 70 is not true)
- for adults to get the most out of PA they have to do it their whole life

Question 6

what would happen if you got physically active in your 60s but you we’re active growing up

Answer 6

• the benefits won’t be as potent as someone who was active throughout their whole life but you’ll see benefits

Question 7

why do we encourage people to be physically active later in life

Answer 7

• functionality (more functional = better quality of life)
• PA tends to increase volunteering (many services wouldn’t be possible without older volunteers
• depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive behaviours and other psychological challenges increases as you age, PA cab eleviate symptoms and therefore increase QoL

Question 8

We’ve seen trends where Drs are recommended _______ to older adults instead of antidepressants

Answer 8

PA

Question 9

why do we see MH symptoms alleviating with moderate-high intensity exercise in older adults

Answer 9

• increases in PA will increase an individuals self-efficacy (how confidant they can do something; more active ppl have higher SE)
• increases in SE will increase self-esteem which will lead to improved QoL
• older adults who are more physically active are also less fatigued

Question 10

physical changes that happen in your brain as we get older

Answer 10

• brain volume (as such, brain capacity) declines with age
• on average, a 75y/o’s brain is 15% smaller than what it was when they were 20
• if brain volume increases then many neural structures will also decline in efficiency
• research shows that PA is a significant moderator of age related cognitive decline (use it or lose it)
• angiogenesis (process of new blood vessel growth from pervious BV in the brain) research suggests that PA increases/promotes angiogenesis; more BV to the brain translates to better cognitive function