The relationship between physical activity and mental factors in the elderly.

There is often a close interplay between physical and mental symptoms in elderly people. Elderly may be fearful of becoming ill and dependent on other people. Physical activity as an integral part of preventive health work is therefore discussed in relation to mental health in the elderly. As regards more direct effects, studies suggest that relatively moderate training can have an effect on mental activity, satisfaction and self-respect. Physical activity is one among a number of modalities to counteract unnecessary passivity in the institutions for the elderly. Information activities could with advantage be directed to attitudes of both old and young towards physical development beyond the age of peak physical performance. Now that the debate in gerontology about the theory of disengagement (38) has calmed down in this country, it appears to be the general view that elderly people--physically and socially--should maintain their level of activity as long as possible. The purpose of this article is to discuss a number of investigations which directly and indirectly can yield some information about the relationship between physical activity and mental conditions. An attempt is made to relate this to practical trim- and training programs for the elderly.