Research Into Action: Growing Old Actively.Research Into Action is published monthly by the Society of Park and Recreation Educators, National Recreation and Park Association. As an accompaniment to "Research Update," its goal is to turn research findings into field action by highlighting management strategies. Founding editors are Dr. Ruth Russell Ruth Russell, Australian peace activist, was one of five Australian citizens who travelled to Iraq in 2003 to function as a human shield. Her stated reason for doing so was to show "solidarity with the Iraqi civilians who will suffer greatly from the planned invasion of Iraq". and Dr. Daniel D. McLean, Department of Recreation and Park Administration, Indiana University Indiana University, main campus at Bloomington; state supported; coeducational; chartered 1820 as a seminary, opened 1824. It became a college in 1828 and a university in 1838. The medical center (run jointly with Purdue Univ. . Introduction A plethora plethora /pleth·o·ra/ (pleth´ah-rah) 1. an excess of blood. 2. by extension, a red florid complexion.pletho´ric pleth·o·ra n. 1. of research confirms that physical activity moderates and reduces the impact of biological, cognitive, and psychological aging. This month's "Research Update" reviews the latest studies. Impact of this Information The research consensus is that any activity, regardless of frequency and intensity, is better than no activity at all. That is, there is significant evidence that regular physical activity by even the frail elderly frail elderly, n.pl older persons (usually over the age of 75 years) who are afflicted with physical or mental disabilities that may interfere with the ability to independently perform activities of daily living. can increase muscular strength, enhance cardiovascular capability, reduce body fat, lower blood pressure, increase glucose tolerance and flexibility, enhance reaction time, and maintain balance. Second, while there is some argument about how much physical activity is required, studies demonstrate positive improvements in memory, intelligence, language, and decision-making in physically active older adults. Finally, physical activity has been reported to improve psychological well-being psychological well-being Research A nebulous legislative term intended to ensure that certain categories of lab animals, especially primates, don't 'go nuts' as a result of experimental design or conditions in old age -- particularly in terms of reducing depressive de·pres·sive adj. 1. Tending to depress or lower. 2. Depressing; gloomy. 3. Of or relating to psychological depression. n. A person suffering from psychological depression. symptoms. How to Use this Information When providing physical activity programs and facilities for older adults: * Provide services in Tai Chi Chuan Tai Chi Chuan Chinese taijiquan or t'ai-chi-ch'üan Ancient Chinese form of exercise or of attack and defense. As exercise, it is designed to provide relaxation in the process of body conditioning, which it accomplishes partly by harmonizing the , resistance weight-training using simple equipment, general exercise programs, and swimming. * Provide physical activity program structures that are daily and regular, enable socialization socialization /so·cial·iza·tion/ (so?shal-i-za´shun) the process by which society integrates the individual and the individual learns to behave in socially acceptable ways. so·cial·i·za·tion n. and a sense of community through groups, rely upon experienced instruction, and support a feeling of safety. * Reserve special hours at regular, convenient, accessible facilities. * Provide transportation. * Hire staff with specific training and experience in older-adult fitness. * Provide equipment that accommodates all abilities. For More Information The Journal of Aging and Physical Activity Research Into Action is published monthly by the Society of Park and Recreation Educators, National Recreation and Park Association. As an accompaniment to "Research Update," is goal is to turn research findings into field action by highlighting management strategies. Founding editors are Dr. Ruth Russell and Dr. Daniel D. McLean, Department of Recreation and Park Administration, Indiana University. |
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