In 30 years the number of older adults will double

According to the World Health Organization, by 2050 the number of older adults will double and cases of dementia will triple, worrying data that alerts the world's health sector.

Therefore, a group of students from the Faculty of Sports Science and Physical Education at the University of Cundinamarca decided to create a project in which a physical-recreational program is implemented to evaluate the effects on cognitive decline in older adults.

The research group in nutrition, fitness and sport at UDEC, which belongs to the Faculty of Sports Science and Physical Education, is carrying out research in part of the population of the municipality of Soacha in the department of Cundinamarca.

“It raises awareness and motivates us to seek strategies to slow down and prevent cognitive decline and dementia. We will develop a physical activity plan for older adults, covering various areas such as guided recreational physical activity,” explained Alejandra Vásquez, a student at the University of Córdoba (UDEC).

During the investigation in the population group, procedures are being carried out with biosecurity protocols and with what is established by the Ministries of Health and Sport for the practice of physical activity.

The initial approach determined that the majority of the population under study is illiterate or can only read and write.

“We have a population from Bogotá and Soacha; some of the foundations we work with are possibly located in Lourdes and the San Carlos neighborhood, and others in the municipality of Soacha… Age, educational level, and illnesses are predominant and important for the activities we are going to do, and adaptations must be made to prevent or reduce deterioration,” stated Alejandra Vásquez from the research group in nutrition, fitness, and sports.

The WHO's figures on the future of older adults are even more worrying when it is known that, according to the New Directions Corporation, alcohol consumption in minors generates a greater probability of memory and learning impairment, four times more probability of suffering from depression and five times more probability of dropping out of school.

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