Topic:

- The use of exercise as a way to improve and maintain brain function of elderly adults.

Statement of the problem:

- In implementing an age appropriate exercise program within an elderly adult
population, will it be able to improve or maintain their overall brain function?

What is known?
- There is a causal relationship between improved brain function and exercise
- Participating in regular exercise has several benefits for elderly populations such as;
o Slows physiologic changes of aging that impair exercise capacity
o Optimizes changes in body-comp
o Promotes psychological & cognitive well being
o Manage chronic diseases
o Reduces risk of physical disability
o Increases longevity

What is unknown?
- What exercises work the best?
- How much they can improve?
- Which population or age range does it affect the most?

Considerations:
- Any medications: especially those that effect exercise response
- Chronic diseases or disorders
- Disabilities
- Injuries

Methods:
- Create a program which includes;
o Moderate intensity resistance training
 at least 2 times per week
 8-10 exercises
 1 set, 10-15 repetitions
o Moderate intensity aerobic exercises
 at least 5 days per week
 swimming, seated activities, or any other activities that minimize
orthopedic stress
 30-60 minutes per session

Purpose:
- To research and examine if exercise will positively benefit brain function in elderly
adults.
Benefits:
- Participating in regular exercise may be a successful non-pharmaceutical way to improve
brain function
- People may find that regular exercise is more beneficial to brain function than other
conventional methods

Hypothesis:
- I hypothesize that when elderly people participate in exercise they will be able to
maintain or improved brain function.