| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this three year sequential study was to examine factors
contributing to the wellness of 32 self-professed healthy seniors aged 65-74, 75-84, and
85 years of age and older, living in Thunder Bay based on their; patterns of physical
activity; factors contributing to health and well-being; and lifestyle habits. In an attempt to
better understand wellness over time, these respondents were visited each year from
1993 to 1995. Since the number of participants in the oldest group declined from 11 to
three by the third year of the investigation, their responses are not included where they
would violate rules of statistical inference. Walking and gardening were the most popular
activities. Participants in the youngest age group were consistently active in the largest
number of activities of the most vigorous nature over the three year period. The middle
and oldest age groups reported a change by doing less vigorous physical activity over
the three year study. However, further analysis indicated that the middle and oldest age
groups engaged in compensatory behaviour. They replaced vigorous physical activity
with less intense activity and practiced over a longer duration. Participants uniformly
perceived themselves as more active than their peers during adolescence, and also In
each year of the study. Each age group identified regular physical activity, diet, and rest
as the most important factors contributing to health and well-being. Despite their positive
perception of personal health status, all three age groups indicated functional difficulty
with: standing, bending, and hearing. Participants also indicated that they were coping
with chronic conditions such as: arthritis, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The
seniors In this study shared similar lifestyles. Each age group acknowledged the
importance of reaching specific goals such as: Independence, fitness, having fun, and
relaxation. Each group reported doing various leisure activities such as reading, visiting
with friends, and family. Even though the choices that the seniors made in the three age
groups demonstrated some variability, their responses indicate positive aging, and give
us an understanding of wellness. The behaviour of these seniors indicates that they
exhibit the components of successful aging as illustrated by Rowe and Kahn (1998): low
risk of disease, high mental and physical function, and active engagement with life. | |
