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Benefits of physical literacy and gymnastics for physical education of older adults and seniors

Publication at First Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport |
2014

Abstract

The quality of life of the elderly is becoming a serious problem of contemporary society. Low level of physical literacy of this citizens group does not encourage their need for exercise, not motivate to physical activity and to change the lifestyle.

The aim of the paper is to select and organize the knowledge about the concept and the direction of physical education of older adults and seniors, to define the conceptual content of physical literacy in education, to give an example of a possible way to differentiate the offerings of education for each age category and to present the appropriate menu of movement and gymnastics programs for a selected portion population. The solution to the problem has been selected questionnaire and interval scaling.

The questions in questionnaire survey were selected regarding the advisability of defined gymnastic exercises involved in the concept of physical literacy. The questions were answered by 28 experts, teachers colleges.

Descriptive statistics was used for the classification and analysis of the obtained data. The greatest impact responses gained importance of exercises for correct body posture and for basic locomotion, realisation of the movements of the body and its parts, orientation in space and balance exercises.

In the area of knowledge reached nearly 90 % of knowledge - the safety of physical activity, the execution of the movement and the importance of prevention and health benefits. Into the content physical literacy of older people and seniors were selected five groups of inventory gymnastic activities: body posture, locomotion, balance, flexibility and handling skills.

Physical education of elderly population should be directed to the optimum level of health orientated fitness, strengthening the resilience, well-being and social togetherness.