Biopsychosocial Characteristics of Elderly Adults of Latin America: Strategies of Physical Activity for the Functional Health

Abstract

This chapter’s approach to an emergent reality of the demographic transition related to a new paradigm of the active aging, demands strategies lead to improve a healthy life expectancy, autonomy maintenance and the promotion of changes in healthy behaviors. Information is provided to the professionals of health to evaluate the physical and functional condition of the elderly people, considering the biological, psychological, and social aspects. When moved to practice, results are presented in a study who analyzes the biopsychosocial characteristics of the elderly adults of Monterrey, Mexico. Furthermore, implemented a literature review to promote, maintain and improve the physical, psychological, and social health. In Addition, recommendations are presented to describe physical activity in the elderly adults considering the type of exercise about to perform, its intensity, volume, frequency, materials and how to structure the sessions to make easier its practice and achieve a physical exercise adherence. After all the previous, its recommended as necessary to foment in a higher recognition the importance of the regular physical activity among those who formulate the public politics for the promotion of strategies according to the characteristics and interests of this populational group.