Introduction

The contemporary society is dominated by technology and the changes it caused. Associated with these changes occur some aspects which have significant implications for people and their organic integrity. According to this, currently is given great importance to the health problem, since most of the diseases are related to the current style of life. This fact translates in the increase of civilization diseases and the so said inflationary growth of costs caused by them, either on preventive or productivity matters.

Among the measures to combat the facts previously referenced the practice of physical activities appear to play an importance role. Therefore, it seems important that society changes its attitudes, its sense of values and its conduct, regarding the relationship between health and exercise. The idea of a good physical fitness has also grown in our society, emerging as an important value and with a fundamental significance in the intent of the sports activity. It is this prespective that have been reinforcing the potential occupation of leisure time as a differential recovery of physical activities.

Moreover, physical activity is now seen as a crucial way of preventing some of the phenomena associated with aging. Ageing has been described as a process or set of processes, inherent in all living beings and is expressed by the loss of capacity for adjustment and the decrease in functionality (Spirduso, 1995). Ageing is, therefore, associated with changes in physical and physiological effects on quality of life of this population.

So if, on the one hand the longevity has increased, the increase in average life expectancy has not always been accompanied with a life independent, dignified and socially stimulating. In addition to the aspects directly related to health, the development of skills that allow the elderly fulfil their basic daily tasks is now seen as a priority task regardless of the help of third parties (Katz et al., 1983). Once the quality of life is closely associated with a good performance engine, a regular practice, controlled and focused, it is crucial in this age group.

It is in this frame of references that justify the implementation of the Exercise and Health Program in the 3rd Age.

 

Objectives

Exercise and Health Program in the 3 rd Age is a program of the Center for Research in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL) of the Faculty of Science of Sport and Physical Education (FCDEF) of the University of Porto, which aims to provide the population elderly physical activity oriented, regular and aimed at promoting health and well-being.

Goals from a social standpoint:

1. Larger social interaction;
2. Reducing the isolation;
3. Raising the levels of independence and autonomy;
4. Leisure time;
5. Promoting wellness.

Objectives of the health point of view:

1. Increase cardiovascular fitness;
2. Raising the levels of muscular strength and endurance;
3. Maintaining and / or mitigate the loss of flexibility, coordination and balance;
4. Reducing the risk factors attributable to disuse and ageing.

Goals from the point of view of scientific research:

1. Knowing the profile of physical and physiological elderly;
2. Studying the effects of physical activity at physiological, social and psychological;
3. Enabling the students of Physical Education training in this field of knowledge.

 

Target Population

The target population for this project are all residents in the city of Porto over 60 years of age.

The classes will be conducted in groups of up to 25 people.

In the first phase of the programme will be admitted 4 groups, which is equivalent to 100 participants.

 

Pre-Requirements

All older people should be in possession of a medical statement certifying its readiness to practice physical activity proposal.

That declaration must be explicit all its limitations and that medication is being administered, as is known relevant.

All people envolved shall be examined functional pre-participation to be held under supervision of the Office of Sport and Recreation, Leisure of FADEUP.

 

Phases Program

Phase IRegistration from 15 September to 1 October in CIAFEL (€ 25,00) - Rita Teixeira;

Phase II - Investigation of functional pre-participation of 1 to 10 October;

Phase III - Beginning of classes to 15 October.

End of the program on June 30.

 

Development Activities

Participants will be offered the following activities:

1. Functional assessment;
2. Prescription physical activity;
3. Monitoring and orientation of physical activity.

 

Frequency Activities

The classes will be held 2 times a week, always part of the afternoon, taking classes a duration of 50 minutes.

 

Local

The classes take place on the premises of the Sports School of the University of Oporto, located in:

Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91
4200-450 Porto - Portugal

 

Contacts

Tel:

+351 225 074 785

Joana Carvalho
jcarvalho@fade.up.pt

Jorge Mota
jmota@fade.up.pt

Geral
gabrtl@fade.up.pt