BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The aging population is rapidly increasing in size and with that, there is a growing need for age appropriate physical activity (PA) programs to help them age successfully. Older adults face many challenges in adaptation to aging and related physical function, emphasizing the importance of developing interventions to promote adaptation to aging such as increasing PA among older adults. A primary concern for the aging individual is the decline in physical function, compounded with the increased prevalence of sedentary behavior. Both the mind-body interactions and the potential for improved functional outcomes resulting from these forms of PA make them particularly appealing for older adults. There is a growing body of research that indicates a wide range of potential health benefits from mind-body exercise.9 However, there has been limited research exploring mind-body PA interventions for adaptation and physical function among older adults. (Carol Rogers 2007) Lifestyle is a broad term that addresses nutrition, physical fitness, hygiene, sleep, stress management, and is determined by ones level of social adjustment, worldview, culture, and personal choices. This module highlights specific areas in which nutrition and lifestyle education are clinically relevant. (Glass et al 1999) Reuters (Health,2002) identified factors that greatly affect quality of life of elderlywho engage in health promotive lifestyle such as smoking, drinking, liquor moderately, not engaging in other vices and exercise regularly, they are more likely to die within 3 year period as compared to those elderly with less healthy lifestyle. Dhar(2002) recognized in his book that aged persons are generally susceptible to high BP, diabetes, bronchitis, arthritis, osteoporosis and heart disease, he also included the common risk factors are obesity, diabetes, hypertension , and other extraneous factors such as smoking and drinking liquor. This

is the problem of humanity when it comes to the health of everyone, they dont mediate with the proper identification of promotive factors to increase the level of longevity that everyone achieve. It is not only vices affects the practices of elders rather it is focused on the physical, social and mental capabilities of each. As they go along aging process, these aspects is also undergoing signs of deterioration, but certain activities improve the health of every individual as long as they follow certain modification and proper recognition. Franklin and Nead (2002 ) cited that regular exercise in aging can help lower the risk of developing chronic disease, improve mood and help stay independent. This also provides a myriad of health benefits including improving blood pressure, diabetes, lipid profile osteoarthritis and neuro- cognitive function. Aerobic exercises such as walking or swimming are good for cardiovascular system and strength training such as lifting weights or using resistance machines that develop and maintain muscular strength thus enhancing flexibility. Furthermore, recreational activities in social settings are also highly recommended. This helps in achievement of promotive practices that tries to attain social of well being. (Health& News, 2002). Occupation, defined as activity that is meaningful for individuals and for groups of people, is essential for the maintenance of quality of life at all stages of the life course (Clark et al 1991, Law et al 1998, Yerxa 1998). However, in older age, maintaining engagement in chosen as opposed to essential activities can be challenging. Life events, such as the onset of illness, a fall, bereavement or the loss of a recognized life role, often signal the beginning of a negative spiral of disengagement, expressed by diminished confidence and a reluctance to venture beyond the security of set routines or the comfort of the home (Mountain 2004). Essential daily activities can be more difficult, take longer and require more energy, leaving diminished personal resources for non-essential activities (Borell et al 2001). If undertaking occupations requires external support, the older person may experience a reduced sense of

control and a loss of spontaneity. Additional difficulties can be posed by a lack of financial resources, inaccessible amenities and the unavailability of cheap and reliable transport (Age Concern 2006). A combination of adverse circumstances can severely compromise mental wellbeing (Age Concern 2006, Bowers et al 2006).There is growing evidence of an association between physical activity and the maintenance of health at all ages. In older age, an active lifestyle, with a moderate amount of exercise, can reduce the risk of falls (Province et al 1995, Campbell et al 1997); help to maintain independence (Penninx et al 2001); contribute to positive mental health (Singh et al 2001, Strawbridge et al 2002); and possibly reduce the risk of cognitive decline (Yaffe et al 2001). Additionally, a small but robust evidence base demonstrates that participation by older people in activities to promote social engagement is strongly associated with life satisfaction (Warr et al 2004) and with survival (Glass et al 1999).

Based on an occupational approach to healthy aging, Lifestyle Redesign[R] helps older people to improve their quality of life and to avoid the negative spiral of decline (Mandel et al 1999). The emphasis throughout is on the identification of participants' own goals and their empowerment through sharing the strengths and skills possessed by group members. Lifestyle Redesign[R] was found to be effective in enhancing the physical and mental health, occupational functioning and life satisfaction of community-living older adults in Los Angeles (Clark et al 1997, 2001, Hay et al 2002). Given the prevailing policy focus upon the provision of health-promoting interventions for older people. If we go to nutrition according to (Turcotte, 2006 ) It is important to have healthy eating and nutrition in the elderly that is greatly influenced by several factors, on of them being a change in body composition. During the later years in life, the body will gradually lose bone and muscle and gain fat due to the fact that hormones are not as active as they once were. Numerous changes in body composition and

physiology are associated with advance age. Compounding these changes are the often impact the amount and quality of food that elderly people have available to them. Additionally, Clinical nutrition is the use of food and eating habits to promote health, treat and prevent disease. Nutrition is frequently considered a CAM therapy even though it is an established part of conventional medicine, perhaps because there are different philosophies as to what constitutes good nutrition. From a reductionistic viewpoint, nutrition provides the basic fuel and building blocks for the body. An expanded approach to nutrition, however, includes specific regimens used to treat specific conditions (e.g. the DASH diet for hypertension) as well as preventive measures (e.g. omega-3 fatty acids to decrease inflammatory states). This module will focus on understanding basic macronutrients carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in depth, and evidence-based use of certain dietary approaches to prevent and treat disease. Discussion of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc.) and dietary supplements are covered in module C8 on Nutrition & Dietary Supplements. Emotional health and the management of stress are also critical in regards to lifestyle choices. For example, when people are pressed for time or overwhelmed, they tend to grab quick and usually unhealthy foods. They also dont find the time to exercise. Medical training is one such stressful situation. The continuous juggling of responsibility, information overload, patient care, and personal stresses with significant time and financial pressures can promote maladaptive coping techniques. Unfortunately, very little training in stress management is given in medical schools to address these demands. Stress management can be defined as recognizing causes of stress and managing those effects on a person in a more healthy way through strategic tools It is critical to learn and practice healthy skills ones that enable us to maintain our wholeness through medical training and beyond, as well as enabling us to serve as living examples for our patients. Mind-body medicine principles for stress

reduction, exercise, regular sleep and good hygiene are essential tools for achieving this balance of stress management, and are discussed in module C2 on Mind-Body Medicines. (Novey, 2000). In terms with spiritual elderly are spiritually well strive for a sense of satisfaction and confidence with personal spiritual beliefs. They encourage individuals to increase their understanding of the values, ethics, and beliefs, which can add direction to their lives. They have a growing set of beliefs that can help support them mentally and emotionally. They have an overall sense of well-being, peace, and connectedness that helps them find meaning in life. Periodically they may choose to rethink their values and act upon changes in beliefs. Example of traits of spiritually healthy individual like spends time reflecting on themselves as a person, spends time defining personal values and reevaluating them over time, is open to those of other religions and belief systems. (Jeff Stallman 2007) The aim of research is to determine the the problems that elderly people encounter when it comes to nutritional, lifestyle and spiritual. Furtheremore, recommendations from the respondent themselves were presented and used as a guide for analysis and study. This research serves a key challenge to promote healthy and active aging for the citizens of Barangay Marcoville, Baguio City. Achieving this will improve the health status and quality of life like lifestyle, nurtrition and spiritual.