Faculty Sponsor, if applicable
Joseph A. Mikels
Project Abstract
Older adults typically experience improved emotional well-being compared to younger adults (Carstensen, 2006). However, not all older adults attain high emotional well-being. One possibility is that some older adults experience more severe reductions in their physical fitness, leading to worse physiological functioning and reduced mobility for daily activities. The present study investigated the relationship between physical fitness and emotional experience in older adults. In this study, older adults participated in Fit and Strong!, an 8-week CDC recommended exercise program aimed at improving physical functioning and activity in older adults. In addition to the exercise program, participants completed a series of emotional assessments and an in-person physical assessment before and after the 8 weeks. Results showed that the program lead to an increase in physical fitness, and that this improvement related to an increase in emotional well-being for older adults.
Type of Research
Undergraduate Student - Independent Study
Preview
Presentation Year
May 2019