Sports and Educational Gerontology

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Method based on face-to-face exposition, and on another component based on problem resolutions and oral presentations of written works.

The evaluation will be composed by a written midterm tests, and also by written work with oral presentation about critical overview of a topic on exercise and ageing.

Learning Outcomes

The curricular unit aims the training in the area of assessment, prescription and promotion of programs of physical activity for the elderly person. It is intended a leadership based on a solid conceptual formation in: [1] administration of tests for evaluating the functional autonomy of the elderly; [2] design, prescription and execution of exercise programs; [3] advice to participants in the programs that need of behavioral and therapeutic changes of lifestyle; [4] the organization and operation of spaces for the practice of physical exercise for elderly people.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Demography and epidemiology of elderly and physical activity.

2. Determinants of aging: biological theories; psychological theories; sociological theories.

3. Decline of functional abilities with age: sports performance; maximum consumption of oxygen; muscular strength; flexibility; other factors.

4. Regular exercise and functional capacity in older adults: cardiorespiratory fitness; muscle strength; flexibility; bone mineral density.

5. Evaluation of the functional autonomy of the elderly: conceptual framework. Functional fitness parameters.

6. Exercise, elderly and functional independence: benefits and risks of physical activity.

7. Cardiovascular risk and physical exercise.

8. Intervention programmes of physical exercise in the elderly. Barriers and strategies for exercising.

Head Lecturer(s)

Raul Agostinho Simões Martins

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 30.0%
Frequency: 70.0%

Bibliography

[1] American College of Sports Medicine (2014). ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 9th Ed., Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

[2] Dishman RK, Heath GW & Lee IM (2012). Physical Activity Epidemiology, 2nd Ed., Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

[3] Martins R (2006). Exercício Físico e Saúde Pública, Lisboa: Livros Horizonte

[4] Saxton JM (2011). Exercise and Chronic Disease: An Evidence-Based Approach, London: Routledge.

[5] Taylor AW & Johnson MJ (2008). Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.