Both exercise and sport-related activities seem to contribute to well-being. Improved physical fitness and elevated skill level gained during exercise and sport activities appear to serve as mediators for increased perceptions of self-efficacy and social competence. Peer modelling, as well as video and audio reinforcement, appear to be important modalities in maintaining compliance to exercise programmes.

The results of this study provide normative data regarding the balance and functional abilities of the oldest-old, and indicate a strong association between self-efficacy and function. These results emphasize the importance of incorporating strategies that maintain and improve balance self-efficacy in interventions aimed at enhancing the functional level of this cohort.

No abstract