GERA1007 Physical Activity and Ageing (2 cr)

• Decline in the physical activity habits with ageing, and health, social, psychological and environmental factors that may act as barriers
• How ageing and diverse physical activities influence strength, endurance and flexibility, considering also their effects on cellular, tissue and organs systems
• Impact of different components of fitness on activities of daily living and on disability in older adults
• Variability in physiological and functional ageing among individuals
• The role of physical activity in preventing and managing conditions such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, sarcopenia and frailty
• Exercise prescription and instruction for older people of different physical performance and health status  

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to

• describe how aging modifies physical activity behavior and recognize the factors influencing these changes
• explain the age-related alterations in body’s physiological and fitness traits and the links with physical activities
• understand the potential of regular physical activity and improved fitness to prevent or delay the onset of functional impairments in older people
• explain the role of physical activity in the prevention, care and rehabilitation of age-related diseases
• understand the key principles for the development of exercise programs in older people

Reading list for exam is in Moodle.