Care for the Elderly – How to Improve Their Quality of Life

The progressive biological aging process is invariably accompanied by a multitude of physiological alterations that significantly impact the functional capacity of older adults. Among the most prevalent challenges are diminished cardiopulmonary endurance, restricted joint mobility, decreased bone mineral density, balance impairments, an elevated risk of falls, and the gradual decline in both muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass (Białkowska et al., 2017). While survey-based research involving nearly 200 senior women revealed that 93% of participants reported engaging in physical activity, older individuals in daily practice encounter numerous obstacles that hinder the initiation or maintenance of an active lifestyle (Witkowski et al., 2018). Experts have identified the following barriers: excess body weight or obesity, fear of injury, apprehension regarding social ridicule, chronic pain conditions (e.g., arthralgia or spinal disorders), difficulties in organizing leisure time and limited creativity in activity planning, mobility restrictions stemming from prior surgical interventions or comorbid diseases, cognitive impairments (e.g., visual acuity decline or psychological distress), and sociocultural factors such as isolation, social withdrawal, reluctance to establish new relationships, or lack of motivation for peer interaction (Hebert et al., 2024). The paradigm of active and healthy aging is gaining increasing recognition within gerontological circles. Systematic physical exercise yields multidimensional benefits—primarily within the musculoskeletal system, where appropriately selected exercises of controlled intensity can alleviate pain symptoms, preserve joint flexibility, enhance muscular strength, maintain muscle mass, improve systemic endurance, and fortify bone structure. Furthermore, regular physical activity exerts positive effects on metabolic processes (e.g., enhanced tissue insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance), bolsters immune defense mechanisms, and supports cognitive functions such as memory retention, focus, and attentional capacity (Mazurek et al., 2014). The Polish Gerontological Society advises seniors without medical contraindications to incorporate endurance training, low-impact aerobic exercises targeting smaller muscle groups, and dynamic movements engaging larger muscle assemblies into their fitness regimens (Skrzek, 2019). Meanwhile, Hebert and colleagues emphasize that the gradual escalation of training load and intensity constitutes a cornerstone of medical exercise programs, with individualized adaptation to the participant’s capabilities and requirements being paramount (Hebert et al., 2024).