Overall objectives:

1 - To describe the general demographics of aging.
2 - To understand the relationships between physical aging and quality of life.
3 - To describe the theories that are currently used to explain aging.
4 - To understand the major changes in morphological and physiological systems in older adults and discuss factors that might modify these changes.
5 - To describe functional changes related to the aging process and to understand how these affect functional mobility and independence.
6 - To understand the extent to which health and physically life styles may postpone age-related declines in cognitive function..
7 - To describe various mechanisms that have been proposed to explain relationships of health, physical activity, wellbeing and quality of life.
8 - To describe the major personal, environmental and program-related factors that affect older adults? exercise participation.
9 - To understand the guidelines for exercise testing and prescription in older adults.

Syllabus:

1 - Introduction to aging
1.1 - Demography of aging
1.2 - Concepts and theories of aging
1.3 - Policies on Aging
2 - Physical and Functional Changes Associated with Aging
2.1 - Morphological changes and physiological systems
2.1.1 - Body composition and systems: cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, nervous and sensory.
2.2 - Functional changes
2.2.1 - Functional fitness and mobility
3 - Physical Psychosocial Relationships
3.1 - Aging, active life and cognitive function
3.2 - Physical activity, well-being and quality of life
3.3 - Social implications of aging and of physical activity
4 - Contextual Determinants of Physical Activity in Elderly Population
4.1 - Adoption and maintenance of physically active lifestyles
4.2 - Elderly "Friendly" Environments
5 - Exercise Physiology and Aging
5.1 - Pre-exercise evaluation
5.2 - Exercise prescription principles in the elderly population
5.3 - Exercise Programs for the Elderly

Literature/Sources:

Rikli, R.E., & Jones, C.J. , 2013 , Senior fitness test manual , Human Kinetics, Inc
Rose, D.J. , 2010 , FallProof! A comprehensive balance and mobility training program. , Human Kinetics, Inc
Spirduso, W.W., Francis, K.L., & MacRae, P.G. , 2005 , Physical dimensions of aging. Second Edition. , Human Kinetics, Inc
Gouveia, É.R., Gouveia, B.R., Ihle, A., Kliegel, M., Maia, J.A., Badia, S.B., & Freitas, D.L. , 2017 , Correlates of health-related quality of life in young-old and old-old community-dwelling older adults. , Quality of Life Research
Gouveia, É.R., Gouveia, B.R., Maia, J.A., Blimkie, C.J., & Freitas, D.L. , 2016 , Skeletal Muscle and Physical Activity in Portuguese Community-Dwelling Older Adults. , Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

Assesssment methods and criteria:

Classification Type: Quantitativa (0-20)

Evaluation Methodology:
1. Expository Method 2. Work Group 3. Debate 4. Practical exercises 5. Demonstration/training in practical context laboratory Evaluation strategies: One written Test (40%); A pre-exercise evaluation report and exercise program prescription (case study) (40%); Oral examination based on the pre-assessment and exercise prescription (20%).