The Effect of Exercise on Morale of Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week program of progressively strenuous exercise upon the morale of adults 60 or older living independently in the community. An experimental design using treatment (N = 29) and control (N = 40) groups was employed in the methodology. The treatment groups met for 90 minutes 3 times per week over 12 weeks. No significant differences in morale scores existed between groups at any point in the study. There was no apparent effect of exercise on morale as measured by the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGC). It is likely that morale as measured by this scale is too stable for observable change in a short period of time. There were, however, a number of changes in activities of daily living and self-perceptions which are worth noting as a response to exercise programs.