Socialization plays a large role in maintaining quality of life as one ages. of life, live longer, and are healthier compared to those with little social support (Glass, Mendes de Leon, Marottolie and Berkman 1999). Also, studies have shown that strong social support seems to protect against cognitive decline and self-re- ported disability (Mendes de Leon, Glass and Berkman 2003). Seniors who socialize with others are also less likely to become depressed. One social support option is a water-ex- ercise program designated to the interests and needs of active aging seniors. These programs can promote neuromuscular conditioning, balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, endurance, speed, agility, cardiovascular endurance, and muscular strength. The overall goal is to fulfill the physical needs with gentle training options. Life is movement! Many seniors prefer not to exercise alone, and water exercise programs can strongly benefit these indi- viduals by providing safe and effective fitness activities in a group setting. The water environment can be used to move safely and pain free. During movement, buoyancy allows the body to save energy by partially counteracting the force of gravity; this energy can then be directed toward other body functions, such as healing processes. Exercising in water helps reduce pain and swelling, increasing range of motion. Water exercise may stimulate multiple body systems includ- ing the cognitive, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular sys- tems by effectively promoting positive mood and outlook, creating a relaxation response in the body, and integrating physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. All these factors combine to create a healing environment. As fitness professionals, we need to guide active-aging adults toward fitness programs that provide psychological and physical benefits. It may be advisable for some individuals to begin with personalized training, to help define and achieve specific goals, ensure that exercises are performed correctly, and enhance motivation. Aquatic personalized training might assist in making a positive and productive progress in all areas of life (McClaran 2003). We can offer safe alterna- tive workouts in the pool that help older adults visualize and achieve a healthy and socially active lifestyle. n Resources Glass, T.A., C.F. Mendes De Leon, R. Marottoli, L.F. Berkman. 1999. Population based study of social and productive activities as predictor of survival among elderly Americans. British Medical Journal. 319(7208): 478-483. McClaran, S.R. 2003. The Effectiveness of Personalized Training on Changing Attitudes toward Physical Activity. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. 2(1): 10-14 Mendes Dd Leon, C.F., T.A. Glass, and L.F. Berkman. 2003. Social engagement and disability in a community population of older adults. American Journal of Epidemiology. 157(7): 633-642. Moore, C. 2010. What Role Does Socialization Play? Healthy Aging http://www.sooperarticles.com/health-fitness-articles/ healthy-aging-what-role-does-socialization-play-85138.htm l#ixzz4tbfyXOeA Randall, L.O. 2007. Aging and the Elderly: Psychology, Sociology and Health. Nova Science Publishers Inc. ISBN-13: 9781600211904. Smeeding, T. 2010. Policy Analysis and Entitlement Programs for Older Americans: Medicare, Medicate, and Social Security. Presentation to the Center on Aging Research Retreat, 3.20.2010, University of Utah. Sykorova Pritz, M. 2015. The Active- Aging Emotional Athlete. Akwa. 28(6):7-8. Sykorova Pritz, M. and T. Gregor. 2015. Integrative Fitness-Person- alized Concept for Group Fitness. Akwa. 29(3):22-24. Authors Dr. Maria Sykorova Pritz, EdD, is an exercise physi- ologist with 30 years of experience in developing and implementing health, fitness and wellness programs for corporations, health clubs, and schools. Maria com- bined her academic knowledge with hands on experience to create a unique multidisciplinary training technique, the Sykorova SynchroSM Method, to help others achieve overall health and optimized performance. She is an ATRI faculty member, member of the AEA Research Committee, FLS continuing education developer, author, and presenter. Tomas Gregor, PhD, earned his doctorates in Psychology and Education (specialty in Physical Education and Sports) from the University Comenius in Bratislava, Slovakia. In his profes- sional career as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Gregor also lec- tures on sport psychology and consults for a several sports/ athletic organizations. Dr. Gregor is a faculty member at the School of Physical Education and Sport, University Comenius in Bratislava, Slovakia. 22 | Akwa | December 2017 / January 2018
