Physical Activity and Rehabilitation – A Key to Healthy Aging

Abstract

A doctrine was established regarding the so called “new beginning” – the transition to the post-retirement period for a full-value experience of the available compensatory reserves and creation of overcoming strategies for opposing and coping with the obstacles in the still uncommon lifestyle of the senior citizen. By outlining the role of physical activity in a synthesized format, a successful attempt for data classification worldwide was made; in one fourth of the elderly people there is insufficient physical activity, more evident in the women and for Bulgaria this percent is higher (95%). The role and effect of categorized physical exercises for mobility, flexibility, and stretching, aerobic and anaerobic movements have been pointed out. Moreover, the review discusses the preventive effects of rehabilitation, including psychological ones and the role of it in helping patients live with socially significant diseases, coping with disability. The contribution of physical activity and rehabilitation as protective factors of non-infectious diseases is associated with good mental health, improved quality of life and well-being. Within this meaning, while contemporary medicine adds years to life, physical activity and mostly rehabilitation is a significant reason for adding a meaningful life in the course of aging and old age.

Keywords

• healthy aging
• physical activity
• quality of life
• preventive effects