PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND MENTAL-HEALTH AMONG THE ELDERLY - THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND POSSIBILITIES OF INTERVENTION

While the health-promoting effect of physical exercise on the physical status is well documented, findings on its effect on mental health ar e less convincing and are marked by theoretical and methodological var iety. Empirical studies of the effect of physical activity on mental h ealth focus primarily on well-being and mood, personality and self-con cept, cognitive functions as well as physiological processes. Despite the fact that little research has been done on the relationship betwee n physical activity and mental health among the elderly there is nonet heless evidence that physical exercise contributes greatly to successf ul aging. In developing and establishing activation and exercise progr ams for the elderly, the maintenance of individual well-being and an i ncrease of the ability to lead an independent life should be regarded as primary goals. Care should be taken to avoid an overemphasis on phy sical fitness so as to increase the chances of a broader effect and lo ng-term impact by closer regard for psychosocial factors.