Psychological effects of water exercise among the elderly

Abstract

This research evaluated the psychological effects of a seven-month water exercise program for the elderly as compared to a walking exercise program.

Subjects for the water exercise program were 21 elderly men and women, more than 65 years of age (79.6±4.1). Subjects of the walking exercise program were 19 elderly men and women more than 65 years of age (67.6±6.0). The length of both programs was 7 months. The water exercise program was 45-minutes in length. Subjects performed in the water for 20 minutes following the direction of a coach, and then they swam by their plan for 25 minutes weekly. Subjects of the walking exercise program walked about 45 minutes daily at a moderate speed. Subjects self-evaluated their psychological well being with a once-a-month Mood Check List after completing the water exercise or the walking exercise.

About 70% subjects felt more “relaxed”, “satisfactory”, “refreshed” and “cheerful” after water exercise. In comparison, after the walking program, about 50% of the subjects felt “lively” “refreshed”, “cheerful” and “restful”. Subjects who were being treated for high blood pressure felt more “relaxed” and “refreshed” after swimming than others with normal blood pressure.

Everybody knows that exercise and sports are helpful for health maintenance, but it is often difficult to make it a habit. However, with group support it is more likely that people will happily be able to continue exercising, epecially water exercise.