engleski

Age-Related Decrease in Physical Activity and Functional Fitness Among Elderly Men and Women

Aim was to determine differences in physical activity level and functional fitness between young elderly (60-69 years) and old elederly (70-80 years) people with the hypothesis that an age-related decline would be found. 1288 participants’ level of physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). 594 were male (mean ±SD: body height 175.62±9.78 cm ; body weight 82.26±31.33 kg) and 694 female (mean±SD: body height 165.17±23.12 cm ; body weight 69.74±12.44 kg). Functional fitness was also estimated using the Senior Fitness Test: back scratch, chair sit and reach, 8-foot up and go, chair stand up for 30 sec, arm curl, 2-minutes step test. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for all Senior Fitness tests between young elderly (60-69 years) and old elderly (70-80) men. Similar results were found for the women except no significant differences were found for the chair sit and reach and the 2- minute step test. From the viewpoint of energy consumption estimated by IPAQ questionnaire, moderate physical activity is dominant. In addition, with ageing, among men and women older than 60 years, the value of MET in total physical activity significantly reduces (p<0.05). This study found that the reduction in physical activity level and functional fitness was equal for both men and women and due to the ageing process. These differences between young and old elderly people were due to the reduction of muscle strength in both upper and lower limbs and changes in body fat percentage, flexibility, agility and endurance.

older adult ; functional capacity ; strength ; ageing

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