Aging is a natural and inevitable biological process that significantly influences individuals' life satisfaction and physical fitness in later stages of life. Engaging in a physically active lifestyle can positively impact one's psychosocial well-being. Appropriately tailored physical activity improves health status, maintains and enhances physical abilities, relieves emotional tension, promotes a healthy lifestyle, fosters communication with the environment, and facilitates self-affirmation (Pisek, 2013; Šolar, 2003).
The purpose of this master's thesis was to examine the influence of a 3-month adapted physical exercise program on life satisfaction and physical fitness of elderly women. The study aimed to assess the life satisfaction of elderly women before and after engaging in regular physical exercise for a period of 3 months. Additionally, the research investigated whether there were any significant changes in the results after the specified period.
Twenty participants aged over 65 regularly attended adapted exercise sessions once a week. Some of them also participated in additional physical activities besides the organized exercise program.
The research aimed to determine the effects of regular physical exercise on the life satisfaction of elderly women participating in organized weekly exercise sessions. It also sought to examine how regular physical exercise influenced improvements in their balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Measurements of balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance were conducted at the beginning and end of the 3-month exercise program. The study utilized the Satisfaction with Life Scale to assess life satisfaction, administered at the beginning and end of the program. Additionally, balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance were evaluated using exercises from the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test and the Senior Fitness Test Manual – SFT.
The obtained results were recorded in tables and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. These results were then compared with the responses obtained from structured interviews conducted with the participants.
Regarding the analysis of life satisfaction before and after the three-month weekly adapted exercise program, no significant deviations were expressed by the participants, neither negatively nor positively. The findings indicated that participants exhibited the best physical abilities in balance – one-legged stance with eyes open – and strength – seated weight lifting. However, there were no statistically significant differences in other measurements of physical abilities before and after the program.
During the study, structured interviews were conducted with the participants. They expressed that exercise significantly contributes to their well-being. Some of them engage in physical activity weekly, while others find satisfaction in attending the tailored exercise program only once a week. This diversity within our group highlights its heterogeneity.
At the end, we compared our results obtained in 2024 with the results of Dr. Novak obtained in 2011, which revealed some significant statistical differences between the two groups.
|
