Aging is one of the most important and evident phenomena in today's societies. In this way, there is an increasing concern related with the well-being and quality of life of older adults. Among others, regular exercise has been described as an excellent source of reducing the functional loss attributable to age. Thus, regular, controlled and adjusted exercise becomes crucial for this age group. This, it is necessary to provide an easy and adequate access to exercise that contribute to improve health and quality of life of older population.

There is a growing demand for personnel who have a theoretical understanding of the developmental processes of aging and an interest in developing programs aimed at maintaining and improving physical functioning, independence and wellbeing in the elderly. This master course aims to develop and refine student’s detailed knowledge and understanding of physical activity/exercise and aging, providing a specialized training in both theoretical and applied aspects in the multidisciplinary field of physical activity for the elderly.

This course pretends to highlight the exercise benefits and counteract with the risks of inactivity. This master course will include information and training in the field of assessment, prescription and promotion activity program / exercise directed towards the elderly, corresponding to the requirements and training of professional training in sport and other areas of health.

This course prepares students to design and deliver client-centered exercise programs to older people and people with known disease, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. Students will apply a comprehensive knowledge of exercise science and health to clinical situations, and undertake supervised exercise practice to consolidate these skills.

The program is arranged into two semesters per year, with 30 hours per month. The remainder is used for formal assessment periods and dissertation write-up. The programmes comprise a mix of research modules and subject-specific modules plus a 60-credit dissertation.

However, considering the Law No. 37/2003 of 22 August and Rector Agreement, students of this master course may opt ​​for a part-time basis to a maximum of 37.5 ECTS annual.



Classes will be taught intensively during Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays all the 3rd and 4th weeks of the month


Generally, the course starts on September and extend until July.


Classes take place on the Sports faculty facilities (Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91, 4200-450 Porto)
May, exceptionally occur in other locations.

Objectives

Its objectives are mainly focused on:

(i) to promote the scientific and theoretical knowledge about the relationships between exercise, health and lifestyle of the elderly population;

(ii) to prepare students for research as well as for the implementation of exercise programs and advice of healthy and active lifestyles;

(iii) to raise scientific and pedagogical qualification in the physical activity and health area concerning elderly population;

(iv) this course also aims to enable students to communicate with their peers and the academic community.

General information

Study Plan

Certificates

Predominant Scientific Areas

Previous Courses/Cycles of Study