30.11.2018

Project of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education for better quality of life of the elderly

How can physical activity and exercise affect the inclusion of older people and improving the lifestyle, the project of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Montenegro "EPA -SIOP", whose realization has recently started, will show.

The project is financed by the Ministry of Science, led by professors from this faculty: prof. Dr Duško Bjelica and prof. Dr. Stevo Popovic, with teaching assistants, Marin Vukotic and Gorica Zoric.

At the very beginning of the project, the effects of physical exercise on the inclusion of older people in the society, the current cross-section of the situation was made based on the international standardized questionnaire on the social inclusion scale.

"The project, which lasts for six months, involves 60 people, ages over 55 years of age. Respondents are divided into three groups. One group is trained, the second group has organized gatherings, while the third group is controlling, "said Marina Vukotić, MA.

She added that the project, first of all, should result in the introduction of adequate measures that would improve the lifestyle of the elderly. Especially when it comes to social networking and support, loneliness and social isolation, the quality of social relationships and social opportunities.

The project will actively contribute to raising awareness about the importance of physical activity of older people.

"It should be emphasized that it is possible to improve health and prevent disease through physical activity and training, even in people with low abilities and a complex clinical picture. Physical activity and training lead to an increase in muscle mass and muscle strength and a better functional ability when it comes to coordination, balance and mobility, which in turn reduce the risk of injury due to falls. Coaching in a society and a positive environment contributes to the positive impact on memory, the ability of initiative, the mood and the experience of health. Physical activity can prevent development and improve the function of people with dementia, "said Vukotic.

She concludes that each person is capable of a certain type of physical activity, and that age should in no way be a limiting factor for exercise.