Ageing, Physical Activity and Health

One of the most pressing questions facing society today is how to care for its burgeoning elderly population. By the year 2050, experts predict that one-third of the world's population will be over 60 years old. Health promotion for the elderly is therefore becoming an increasingly important topic in public policy and planning. This book examines the challenges presented by an ageing global population, our varying expectations of healthy ageing, and the importance of exercise and physical activity for the elderly. Drawing on empirical research from around the world, it considers the factors that influence health and well-being in later life and compares practices and policies designed to promote healthy ageing. It presents case studies from 15 countries spanning Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia, and sheds light on how attitudes to physical activity differ across nations, regions and cultures. Ageing, Physical Activity and Health: International Perspectives is important reading for all students, researchers and practitioners with an interest in physical activity, public health, exercise science or gerontology.

Karin Volkwein-Caplan is Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, USA. She has published extensively on gender, HIV/AIDS and Sport, Sexual Harassment in Sport, Ethics in Sport, as well as Healthy Aging and Fitness. Her publications include more than 60 articles as well as 10 book volumes. She is also co-editor of two book series: "Sport, Culture and Society" and "Healthy Aging and Fitness", and has served on the Editorial Board of the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education since 2012 Jasmin Tahmaseb McConatha is Professor in the Department of Psychology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, USA. She specializes in adult development, gerontology and cultural psychology. For 25 years she has conducted research and taught courses on culture, ageing, and well-being. This work has resulted in dozens of published papers, chapters and three books. She directs a World Health sponsored "Age Friendly Communities" project in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Dr. Tahmaseb-McConatha is an advocate for the rights of older men and women from diverse backgrounds in their fight against ageist practices and policies. She is co-editor of two books series: "Healthy Aging and Fitness" and "Sport, Culture and Society"

Introduction PART A: Importance of Culture, Community, and the Impact of Well-Being in the Aging Process 1. The Social and Cultural Context of Well-Being and Physical Activity in Later Life in the USA 2. The Active Ageing Paradigm and Physical Activity of Older People in Germany 3. Global Aging in Portugal 4. Functional characteristics of older adults in Mexico and Latin America: health promotion programs 5. Aging in Ghana: A Public Health and Cultural Perspective PART B: Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on the Aging Population 6. Aging and Health Promotion In Brazil 7. Healthy Aging in Cuba through Physical Activity 8. Aging and Fitness Programs: Influencing Factors, Professional Intervention, and Challenges in Spain 9. Physical Activity, Health, and Body Image of Older Adults in the Czech Republic 10. Active and Fit While Climbing the Ladder of Life: Physical Activity in Old Age in the Young Country Israel 11. Aging, Health, and Physical Activity in Iran PART C: Chronic Conditions and the Impact of Physical Activity and Exercise 12. Coping with Chronic Illness in the Twenty-First Century: the Global Diabetes Crisis 13. Education, Physical Activity, and Healthy Aging in Italy: Theoretical and Operating Dimensions 14. Achieving Active and Healthy Aging in Sri Lanka Conclusion