Exercise and Nutrition in the Mental Health of the Older Adult Population

Resistance Training and Mediterranean Diet in the Mental Health of the Older Adult Population: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Resistance exercise and the Mediterranean diet are complementary, evidence-based approaches to improving physical and mental health throughout all stages of life.

For older adults, maintain flexibility, muscle strength, balance and posture, reducing the risk of falls and injuries; They relieve chronic pain, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress and anxiety. For young people, they improve concentration, attention and memory, reduce stress and anxiety, promote a positive body image and increase self-esteem. Overall benefits include promoting the mind-body connection, facilitating healthy aging, and being accessible and adaptable to various individual and socioeconomic needs.

The main components of the Mediterranean diet are: high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fish and olive oil; moderate in dairy and red wine; and low in red meat and processed products. Benefits for older adults include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, decreasing chronic diseases and pro-inflammatory factors, and preventing obesity and cognitive decline. The overall impact improves bone and cardiovascular health, and strengthens the immune system.

The combination of resistance exercise and a Mediterranean diet offers a comprehensive approach to improving health and well-being throughout life, promoting physical and mental health, facilitating active and healthy aging, and being accessible and beneficial for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds

Inclusion Criteria:

• Were 65 years or older were eligible for the study
• Had not been part of any resistance program in the last 12 months
• They could understand and follow the instructions, activities and protocols of the exercise program.

Exclusion Criteria:

• They suffered from any systemic condition (e.g., neurodegenerative, musculoskeletal, or visual diseases) that prevented them from performing the exercises.
• Had any vestibular disease or disorder
• Consumed medications that influenced the central nervous system, balance or coordination (for example, antidepressants, vestibular sedatives or anxiolytics).