You need to activate javascript for this site.
Menu Conteúdo Rodapé
  1. Home
  2. Courses
  3. Sports Sciences
  4. Exercise in Elderly People

Exercise in Elderly People

Code 17213
Year 1
Semester S2
ECTS Credits 6
Workload T(15H)/TP(30H)
Scientific area Sports Sciences
Entry requirements None
Learning outcomes At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
01. Discuss the role of physical exercise in healthy aging models;
02. Understand the bio-psycho-social changes inherent to the aging process;
03. Understand the physiological changes resulting from aging and their implications for the guidance and prescription of exercise;
04. Identify the main components of functional physical fitness and understand their importance in maintaining the autonomy and independence of the elderly.
05. Demonstrate the ability to select and critically use methodologies for assessing functional physical fitness and health.
06. Know and master the essential components of exercise programs for the elderly.
07. Demonstrate the ability to prescribe, guide and monitor training sessions for the elderly according to their limitations.
08. Develop exercise programs to promote health and functional physical fitness
Syllabus 1. Demography and Epidemiology of Aging
1.1 Biological, psychological and social theories of aging
1.2 Demographic aging: determinants and consequences.
2. Physical Activity and Healthy Aging
2.1 Models of Healthy Aging
2.2 Benefits of Physical Activity
2.3 Motivations and Barriers to Physical Activity
3. Psychological and sociocultural aspects of physical activity in the elderly
3.1 Stereotypes of aging
3.2 Physical activity, psychological well-being and quality of life
3.3 Social implications of physical activity
4. Physiological aspects of aging
4.1 Cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and metabolic function. 4.2 Cognitive and sensory function
5. Assessment of functional physical fitness in the elderly
5.1 Health condition screening
5.2 Multidimensional geriatric assessment
5.3 Assessment protocols
6. Exercise programs and training methods for the elderly
Main Bibliography ? Best-Martini, E. & Jones-DiGenova, K. (2014). Exercise for Frail Elder. Human Kinetics. 2nd Edition
? Bryant, C. X., & Green, D. J. (2005). Exercise for Older Adults: ACE's Guide for Fitness Professionals. Coaches Choice.
? Chodzko-Zajko, W. (2013). ACSM’s Exercise for older adults. Lippicott Williams & Wilkins
? Jones, J.& Rose, D. (2005). Physical Activity Instruction of Older Adult. Human Kinetics
? Spirduso, W., Francis, K. & MacRae, P. (2005) Physical Dimensions of Aging, 2nd Edition, Champaign, Human Kinetic
? Van Norman, K.A. (2010). Exercise and Wellness for Older Adults: Practical Programming Strategies. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria The assessment includes:
A- Written test on content 1., 2., 3. and 4. (40%)
B- Practical Pedagogical Assessment on content 5. and 6. (60%). (Elements to be assessed: 1. Lesson plans (20%); 2. Intervention/Individual guidance (40%); 3. Critical report (20%); 4. Discussion of the intervention (20%)). If the grade is less than 10 points, the student will fail
Final grade = Weighted average of A and B
If the final grade is < 6, fail
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2025-07-21

The cookies used in this website do not collect personal information that helps to identify you. By continuing you agree to the cookie policy.