Gonçalo Dias obtained both M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees on Sport Sciences at the Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education of University of Coimbra and the B.Sc. degree at the Coimbra College of Education from the Coimbra Polytechnic Institute. He is currently a Professor of Advanced Topics in Motor Learning at the Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education of University of Coimbra (Master Course in Youth Sports Training) and a member of the Scientific Committee within the same institution. Over the past 10 years, he has been conducting scientific research on several areas associated to sports and health, namely physical activity among older adults, motor control, sport sciences, and others. Besides research and lecturing, he has been in charge of the organization of events, both in the public and private domains, as coordinator of the County Sports Office from Arganil, Portugal. Additionally, he is responsible for the program "Physical activity to older adults," which brings together more than 100 elderly aged between 65 and 100 years old. This activity resulted in the publication of three books and several articles that portray the work of his research in 20 private institutions of social solidarity in Portugal, being currently considered one of Portugal's leading experts in this field.
Chapter 1. Introduction: New Paradigms of Active Ageing.- Chapter 2. Benefits of Physical Activity in Active Ageing.- Chapter 3. Activity Programs for the Elderly.- Chapter 4. Conclusions, Practical Implications and Recommendations.
This book presents an analysis of active ageing and physical activity from a multidisciplinary perspective. With descriptions of exercises, adequately illustrated with pictures, this book shows that regular physical activity reduces the prevalence of chronic diseases associated with ageing, as well as the risk of morbidity and mortality of the elderly. It confirms that exercise programs minimize the psychomotor decline, prevent the loss of functionality, inability and dementia, and foster significant gains in health and well-being, leading to increased quality of life of the elderly.