[The effect of exercise programs in the elderly].

THe literature concerning the effects of different programs of physical education for the elderly on a number of medical-biological variables as well as social scientific variables is discussed. These variables are body weight and composition, mobility and motility of joints, muscle force, aerobic power, heart rate, blood pressure and ventilation on the one hand and body image (self concept of the body) and anxiety, cognitive and perceptive processes, motivation, personality variables, specific motor skills and general feeling of well being on the other hand. In addition to the discussion of some principles of training the recommendation is made that evaluative research on programs of physical education is started, in which the relationship between these variables and their effect on the ability of the elderly person to function independently are made subject of study as well.