Physical Activity in Ageing and Falls: Difference between revisions

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Ageing is both a biological and psychosocial change. Psychosocial changes occur as a person’s role in society evolves, and they often also adapt their their goals and motivational priorities. At a biological level, molecular and cellular damage occurs which leads to a decrease in physiological reserve and the increased risk of many diseases. Even in healthy and active people; strength, endurance, bone density and flexibility all decline at a rate of approximately 10% per decade. Muscle power is lost faster than this, at a rate of about 30% per decade<ref>Skelton D, Young A, Walker A, Hoinville E. Physical activity in later life:Further analysis of the Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey and Health Education Authority National Survey of Activity and Health. London: Health Education Authority; 1999</ref>. This can lead to a decrease in a person’s level of function.  
Ageing is both a biological and psychosocial change. Psychosocial changes occur as a person’s role in society evolves, and they often also adapt their their goals and motivational priorities. At a biological level, molecular and cellular damage occurs which leads to a decrease in physiological reserve and the increased risk of many diseases. Even in healthy and active people; strength, endurance, bone density and flexibility all decline at a rate of approximately 10% per decade. Muscle power is lost faster than this, at a rate of about 30% per decade<ref>Skelton D, Young A, Walker A, Hoinville E. Physical activity in later life:Further analysis of the Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey and Health Education Authority National Survey of Activity and Health. London: Health Education Authority; 1999</ref>. This can lead to a decrease in a person’s level of function.  


We live in an ageing population with the majority people now able to expect to live into their 60’s. In 2015 8.3% of the world’s population was older than 65, an increase of 1% from 2005<ref>Population ages 65 and above [Internet]. The World Bank. 2016 [cited 23 May 2017]. Available from: [/data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.65UP.TO.ZS http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.65UP.TO.ZS]</ref>. Whilst this population is often seen as having poor health, this doesn’t need to be the case. Many chronic conditions and non- communicable disease can be prevented, or progression delayed, by engaging in healthy behaviours. Despite this, studies have found that this age group spend on average 10.7 hours per day sitting, with 40% of this age group living a sedentary lifestyle (3). It is crucial that this is addressed, and that older adults are encouraged to move.   
We live in an ageing population with the majority people now able to expect to live into their 60’s. In 2015 8.3% of the world’s population was older than 65, an increase of 1% from 2005<ref>Population ages 65 and above [Internet]. The World Bank. 2016 [cited 23 May 2017]. Available from: [/data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.65UP.TO.ZS http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.65UP.TO.ZS]</ref>. Whilst this population is often seen as having poor health, this doesn’t need to be the case. Many chronic conditions and non- communicable disease can be prevented, or progression delayed, by engaging in healthy behaviours. Despite this, studies have found that this age group spend on average 10.7 hours per day sitting, with 40% of this age group living a sedentary lifestyle<ref>British Heart Foundation. Active for Later Life. London: BHF; 2007</ref>. It is crucial that this is addressed, and that older adults are encouraged to move.   


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Revision as of 01:29, 13 June 2017

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What is Ageing?[edit | edit source]

Ageing is both a biological and psychosocial change. Psychosocial changes occur as a person’s role in society evolves, and they often also adapt their their goals and motivational priorities. At a biological level, molecular and cellular damage occurs which leads to a decrease in physiological reserve and the increased risk of many diseases. Even in healthy and active people; strength, endurance, bone density and flexibility all decline at a rate of approximately 10% per decade. Muscle power is lost faster than this, at a rate of about 30% per decade[1]. This can lead to a decrease in a person’s level of function.

We live in an ageing population with the majority people now able to expect to live into their 60’s. In 2015 8.3% of the world’s population was older than 65, an increase of 1% from 2005[2]. Whilst this population is often seen as having poor health, this doesn’t need to be the case. Many chronic conditions and non- communicable disease can be prevented, or progression delayed, by engaging in healthy behaviours. Despite this, studies have found that this age group spend on average 10.7 hours per day sitting, with 40% of this age group living a sedentary lifestyle[3]. It is crucial that this is addressed, and that older adults are encouraged to move. 

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  1. Skelton D, Young A, Walker A, Hoinville E. Physical activity in later life:Further analysis of the Allied Dunbar National Fitness Survey and Health Education Authority National Survey of Activity and Health. London: Health Education Authority; 1999
  2. Population ages 65 and above [Internet]. The World Bank. 2016 [cited 23 May 2017]. Available from: [/data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.65UP.TO.ZS http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.65UP.TO.ZS]
  3. British Heart Foundation. Active for Later Life. London: BHF; 2007