Researchers have been paying closer attention to the protective factors related to the physical and psychology health of older adults. Previous research has focused mainly on older adults living independently and ignored the relationship between physical activities and psychological health for older adults living in continuing care retirement communities (CCRC). This study was designed to test the impact of a physical fitness program on the psychological health of CCRC residents.

The relationship between physical and psychological health is reciprocal. Improvements in one typical result in improvements in the other and vice versa. Because of this, the common view of aging, as a process of physical decline, creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. When older adults expect to lose physical functioning they tend to reduce their physical activities preemptively, which increases their risk for diminished psychological and physical health. However, if an older adult takes a more positive approach to aging they tend to be more likely to engage in adaptive behaviors in response to physical changes (e.g. exercise) that enhance both their psychological outlook and physical functioning.

This particular study measured the impact of an aerobic exercise program in a sample of older adults living in a residential care facility in Italy. Using a controlled-experimental design the researchers found that aerobic exercise participants were significantly more likely to improve their psychological outlook after completing the program than control group participants. In fact, control group participants actually faired worse at the end of the study, while the aerobic exercise group made significant improvements. Additionally, the self-perceptions of the control group grew significantly worse, while the aerobic group grew significantly better of the course of the study.

The challenge for all residential fitness programs is convincing the residents who need the exercise the most to attend regularly. The self-efficacy of sedentary older adults tends to be so low for physical fitness that many often believe falsely that it they are incapable of participating in program offerings. Research such as this provides evidence that it is only through participation that they change their mindset and start to proactive adapt to their changing physical circumstances.

Source: Ciarano, S., Liubichich, M., Rabaglietti, E. 2010. Aging and Society 30: 609-626.