Abstract

Ageing has many different meanings in different contexts: a growing child acquires new skills and an understanding of its world; we mature into adulthood and begin to take responsibility for our actions and their impact on others; and we reach a point in our development when we are perceived to have a declining capacity for valuable contribution to the society we have helped to build and maintain. It is this third 'age' that this collection of papers relates to. This is a collection of papers about the need to empower the population of older adults, to replace myth with facts based on systematic research about physical capacity and positive prevention. It is a chance to identify the problem of taking for granted the assumptions of past generations that the elderly do not require as much attention to their sporting opportunities because they are in 'years of decline'! Above all, it is a selection of papers that sets out a vocabulary for sports scientists to renew discussions about physical activity and ageing that may take place between disciplines - for it is the stated aim of this book series to open up pathways so that historically entrenched academic disciplines can feel at ease crossing subject boundaries and sharing possibilities that may just make a difference to the target population. The writers in this book explain that much can be done - much is already being done - but that we have a long way to go before we will be giving the elderly their real due care and respect. This must involve carefully monitored physical activity for the maintenance of physical strength and well-being, for the prevention of onset of disorders known to affect older inactive adults, and to help stimulate mentally and socially so as to give satisfaction and pleasure to elderly people living life to the full.
The authors and their topics are: 1. Vertinsky, P.: New perspectives on sport history and ageing. 2. Bailey, D.: The role of physical activity in the prevention of osteoporosis: The importance of starting young. 3. Sagiv, M.: Exercise and training in ageing. 4. Matsudo, S.; Matsudo, V.: Physical activity and ageing in developing countries. 5. Kolb, M.: Motivated ageing: A sports gerontologist´s perspective. 6. Illmarinen, M.: A physical activity programme to support the work ability of ageing workers. Characteristics of a successful physical activity programme. 7. Jones, C.J.; Rikli, R.E.: Assessing physical performance of older adults in a community setting. aus der Einleitung und Inhaltsverzeichnis