Experts state that when one feels psychologically well, cognitive capacity can also be utilized better, and when one feels physically well, one also feels psychologically well.
Dr. Hazal Ayas, Head of the Psychology Department, noted that sufficient and regular physical activity is related to sleep quality, stating, “Group exercises or dancing, rather than individual exercises, become both a physical and a cognitive activity. Social physical activity is much more important, especially in the elderly population.”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) Head of Psychology Department Dr. Hazal Ayas explained the effects of physical activities on the elderly.
“Very important for physiological well-being”
Dr. Hazal Ayas, referring to sports and exercise psychology, said, “Our body affects our mind, but at the same time, our mind also affects our body. Physical activity is an important determinant of physiological well-being not only in the elderly population but for all age groups. It has positive effects, especially on the cardiovascular system, metabolic system, skeletal and muscle tissue. Besides these, there are also cognitive effects. There is no one who does not feel good after participating in any exercise program or performing physical activity. When we feel physically well, we also feel psychologically well.”
“When one feels psychologically well, cognitive capacity can also be utilized better”
Dr. Hazal Ayas, stating that when one feels psychologically well, cognitive capacity can also be utilized better, said, “In general, we know that physical exercise has positive physiological effects on our bodies. It has a direct biological effect. Physical exercise has an effect on biological well-being. Being active is equivalent to being alive, to being able to continue living. This is also the case for the elderly. It is also thought to be slightly more effective, especially in the elderly. Because we know that old age largely means the onset of some physiological problems. Serious ailments begin in the musculoskeletal system, metabolic system, and cardiovascular system during old age. Therefore, being active has a delaying effect on the onset of these diseases.”
“When we engage in physical activity, the brain's oxygen consumption increases”
Dr. Hazal Ayas, noting that physical exercise is like an effective medicine in the treatment of physiological problems, said, “What happens in the brain? When we engage in physical activity, the brain's oxygen consumption increases. Along with this, blood flow to the brain increases. There is an increase in cerebral blood flow velocity. Changes occur in dopamine and serotonin releases, and structural changes occur in the brain. These are scientifically related to its cognitive effects.”
“Depression is very common, especially in old age.”
Dr. Hazal Ayas, drawing attention to the protective and therapeutic properties of physical movement, stated, “Today, daily walks and physical activities are definitely given as part of the treatment for patients with depression and anxiety disorders, and in significant psychiatric disorders. This is because they have a healing effect, and this has been proven by research. Depression is very common, especially in old age. Sometimes it appears alone, and sometimes it can accompany dementia or other disorders as a secondary condition. Therefore, we can say that we encounter more depression in the elderly population compared to the normal population. Thus, physical activity is important both in preventing and treating depression.”
“When physical exercise is too intense, the brain goes into stress alarm”
Dr. Hazal Ayas explained that physical activities should be adjusted to a level appropriate for the physiology of the elderly, and that when physical exercise is too intense, the brain gives a stress response, which could lead to a worsening of psychological well-being. She continued:
“It is very important that it is planned in an age-appropriate, body-specific, and individual-specific way with the help of physiotherapists. It also has a significant effect on sleep. Sleep problems are related to psychiatric disorders. They are also related to neurological disorders. Psychiatric disorders can cause sleep problems, or experiencing sleep problems can be associated with both psychiatric and neurological disorders. Therefore, we know how critical a role sleep plays in this cycle.”
“Sufficient and regular physical activity is also related to sleep quality”
Ayas stated that they know psychiatric and especially neurological disorders are increasing in the elderly population, adding, “The importance of maintaining good sleep quality also emerges. As age increases, there is a decrease in sleep quality, sleep continuity, and sleep duration. Therefore, even if we define an elderly individual as healthy, they may have psychiatric and neurological effects. Physical activity is very important even to prevent this. Because sufficient and regular physical activity is seen to be related to sleep quality.”
“Social physical activity is much more important, especially in the elderly population”
Dr. Hazal Ayas stated that there is also an important psychological effect when the elderly say, “Despite my age, I still feel good.” She concluded her words by saying, “Directing the elderly towards regular physical activity is very important for their physical health, cognitive health, and consequently, their psychological health. Group exercises or dancing, rather than individual exercises, become both a physical and a cognitive activity. Group physical activity is much more important, especially in the elderly population.”