Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 2001;56(suppl 2):23-35

This article is part of a Special Issue supplement of Journals of Gerontology entitled “Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Older Adults.”

Abstract: Although there has been increased research and clinical attention given to the effects that physical activity has on quality of life among older adults, there is a lack of consistency surrounding the use of the term.  As a result, attempts to examine what causes changes in quality of life have been limited. This article critically reviews the literature on physical activity and quality of life in older adults. In doing so, attention is given to both quality of life as a psychological construct represented by life satisfaction as well as a clinical and geriatric outcome represented by the core dimensions of health status or health-related quality of life. The literature is also examined to identify potential mediators and moderators in the physical activity and quality-of-life relationship. Discussions of possible mediating variables reinforces the important role of perception when considering the beneficial effects that physical activity has on quality of life.  From a public health perspective, understanding what may cause change in quality of life has significant implications for the design, implementation, and promotion of physical activity programs for older adults.

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All Articles in This Supplement

• Introduction (Drewnowski A, Evans WJ, pp. 5-6)
• Physical Activity and Parameters of Aging: A Physiological Perspective (Westerterp KR, Meijer EP, pp. 7-12)
• Physical Activity in Aging: Changes in Patterns and Their Relationship to Health and Function (DiPietro L, pp. 13-22)
• Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Older Adults (Rejeski WJ, Mihalko S, pp. 23-35)
• Interventions to Promote Physical Activity by Older Adults (King AC, pp. 36-46)
• Nutrition and Health Promotion in Older Adults (Chernoff R, pp. 47-53)
• Nutrition and Quality of Life in Older Adults (Amarantos E, Martinez A, Dwyer J, pp. 54-64)
• Dietary Intake, Dietary Patterns, and Changes With Age: An Epidemiological Perspective (Wakimoto P, Block G, pp. 65-80)
• Decreased Food Intake With Aging (Morley JE, pp. 81-88)
• Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Summary (Drewnowski A, Evans WJ, pp. 89-94)