摘要:

Physical activity is essential to life, health, and well-being, and physical inactivity is a major public health problem. Women, especially those of advanced age and members of minority groups, are at particular risk for physical inactivity. The construct of physical activity is associated with conceptual ambiguity and inconsistent measurement strategies, some of which may not be relevant to the physical activity of women. This presents a barrier to meaningful use of the term and precise measurement. This article explores the construct of physical activity and relevant age and gender issues associated with its use and measurement. Selected research studies are reviewed as they pertain to the issues addressed. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Reduced health-related fitness and decreased functional status occur concomitantly with reduced physical activity levels. Statistical reports estimate that 70% of women over age 65 are not participating in enough regular exercise for healthful living. This problem is compounded by the increased health risks women encounter due to declining estrogen levels. This review briefly summarizes the impact of physical activity and exercise on the aging female including cardiorespiratory, neurologic, behavioral, musculoskeletal, and thermoregulation functions, as well as body composition. Impact on sarcopenia, osteoporosis, breast cancer, and diabetes also is addressed. Practical guidelines for safe but effective exercise participation are given.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The percentage of adults over age 65 is growing faster among racial and ethnic groups than among non-Hispanic whites. Among older women of color, morbidity and mortality rates for many chronic diseases are higher and rates of leisure time physical activity (PA) are lower. This article explores the challenges of assessing PA and reviews studies examining barriers to and enablers of PA in older women of color. Although research is limited, self-efficacy, social support, attitudes/outcome expectancies, enjoyment, perceived barriers, and health-related factors are important influences. In addition, the literature describes cultural-specific factors, including the values and meanings associated with PA and "leisure time," a "rest ethic," body satisfaction, cultural traditions, and appropriateness of activities. The article highlights interventions using cultural traditions and beliefs as springboards for health promotion.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Most exercise studies have been conducted in younger, relatively healthy males with systolic heart failure using high-intensity exercise protocols. Age, greater illness comorbidity, and physiologic differences in diastolic heart failure make the use of high-intensity exercise in older women impractical and raises safety concerns. Because the physical symptoms of heart failure cause considerable functional impairment and are antecedents for a worsened quality of life, interventions that promote physical activity, rather than education and counseling alone, have the greatest potential for improving quality of life in older women with diastolic heart failure.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Possible selves are cognitive representations of the self in the future that motivate planning and behavior. This study explored possible health selves among rural-dwelling African Americans. Older African American respondents described their hoped-for and feared selves, as well as activities they initiated to achieve or avoid these selves. Three categories of possible selves emerged: health, social, and spiritual. The findings provide a basis for the development of culturally relevant health intervention programs.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Health promotion activities, including improving dietary habits and participating in physical exercise, can contribute to an increase in life expectancy and better health for older adults. Maintenance of health and function contributes to older adults' ability to care for themselves, to live independently, and to have a positive quality of life. Health promotion programs designed for older women should include multiple facets: immunizations, smoking cessation programs, alcohol counseling, dietary interventions and nutrition education, and exercise and physical activities. Health promotion activities have been shown to be effective as secondary health promotion strategies for older adults.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The population of older adult women in the United States is diverse, ranging from individuals who are healthy and living independently to those who are homebound or institutionalized. Exercise and daily patterns of rest and activity may play an important role in the health outcomes of older persons, and the measurement of daily physical activity represents an area of growing interest in research on aging. Actigraphy has been widely used as a "field" instrument to monitor the frequency, duration, amplitude, and intensity of daily activity as older adults go about life in their typical environment. This article describes the kinds of variables and information that actigraphy can provide and explores measurement issues that need to be considered.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2002

数据来源: OVID