Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the quality of life of students of a University of the Third Age (U3A) and examine its correlations with demographic variables, physical fitness, perception ability, and emotional well-being. Material and methods. The study involved 116 women aged 50 to 88 years who participated in U3A classes held at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Quality of life was assessed using an abridged version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Additionally the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test, a dynamometer hand grip strength test, and Romberg's test were performed. The Attention and Perceptiveness Test (version 6/9) by Ciechanowicz and Stańczak, the UMACL Mood Adjective Checklist by Matthews, Chamberlain, and Jones, as well as the Geriatric Depression Scale by Yesavage were also used. Finally, data concerning age, marital status, economic status, chronic diseases, and medication use was collected with a specially designed questionnaire. Results. The U3A students who took part in the study perceived their quality of life as relatively high. The domain of quality of life which was found to be the most strongly correlated with demographic variables was the psychological health domain: scores in this domain decreased with the subjects' age and increased with their level of education and economic status. Health satisfaction was directly proportional to economic status and inversely proportional to the level of education. Depression scores correlated significantly negatively with quality of life scores in all domains, the overall perception of quality of life, and health satisfaction, as well as predicting quality of life in the domains of psychological health and the environment. The predictors of the subjects' perceived quality of life were the following: lower body strength, agility, flexibility, and aerobic endurance. Conclusions. The findings of the study confirm that demographic variables (age, education, and economic status), depression and mood, as well as physical fitness are important predictors of quality of life in women in late adulthood.

Background and Aim. This study is aimed at comparing the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and a modified Unterberger test with stabilographic parameters (Biodex Balance System—BBS), to assess fall risk (FR) in older women. Methods. Fifty-five females were examined (May 2018-June 2019). Stabilographic examinations were performed with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman rank correlation were performed to determine the relationships and differences between the above tests. Results. The results of the TUG correlate with the overall stability index (OSI) EO ( r = 0.314 ), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI) EO ( r = 0.297 ), and fall risk index (FRI6-2; r = 0.435 ) in stabilographic examinations and the FRT ( r = − 0.399 ). The results of the modified Unterberger test correlate with MLSI EO ( r = 0.276 ), OSI EC ( r = 0.310 ), and MLSI EC ( r = 0.378 ). There are statistically significant differences between faller and nonfaller groups in TUG ( p = 0.0068 ), FRT ( p = 0.001 ), and MLSI EO ( p = 0.0118 ). Conclusions. The modified Unterberger test and TUG can be considered effective in functional FR assessment in older women. Using at least two different functional tests may improve the assessment of FR.

Introduction: Quality of life is identified as a key element in healthy ageing. A decrease in physical activity and fitness levels as well as fear or depression increase the frequency of hospitalisation and mortality rate among elderly persons. Moreover, these factors significantly reduce the quality of life. The aim of the study was to determine changes in elderly women's perception of their quality of life that occurred over a period of 3 months of attending regular classes. In addition, the study sought to identify factors that would make it possible to predict these changes. Material and methods: The study included 56 women aged 58 to 85 (M=69.54; SD=6.578). Their quality of life was assessed with an abbreviated version of WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire. Severity of depressive symptoms was examined with the use of the Geriatric Depression Scale (a 15-item version). In order to determine physical fitness levels, FFF Test was carried out. Results: The examined group manifested changes in the depression indicator, i.e. its levels decreased significantly. A considerable increase in self-rated health was observed. There occurred a significant increase in the women's perception of their quality of life in social and environmental domains. No significant changes in the quality of life were noted in physical and psychological domains as well as in overall satisfaction with the quality of life. Conclusions: The findings suggest that attending classes at the UTA may produce benefits in the field of psychological health and life quality, and their scope may depend on the initial state of physical health and physical fitness.

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to determine the speed and failures of perception and attention among female students of the University of the Third Age (U3A) and their links with physical fitness and mood. Material/MethodsThe study involved 114 women aged between 50 and 88 years old (M = 68.17) participating in U3A lectures at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Perception ability was investigated using Ciechanowicz and Stańczak's Attention and Perception Test. Physical fitness was assessed with the Fullerton Fitness Test and the Romberg manoeuvre to evaluate the ability to maintain balance. The participants were also assessed with the Matthews, Chamberlain and Jones UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist (UMACL) and the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. ResultsCompared with standard values for adults, the subjects had average failure of perception, slightly slower perception speed and lower failures of attention. The perception speed was negatively correlated with the age and the education level, and positively correlated with static balance and lower body strength. Perception failures were positively correlated with age and negatively with the education level and energy levels at the time of the study. No significant correlation was found between attention and age and the education level, physical fitness and mood at the time of the study; none of the indicators of perception ability were correlated with mood and depression indicators during the previous two weeks. ConclusionsRegular physical exercise in elderly people can be used to maintain physical fitness and perception ability.

SummaryStudy aim: To assess the perceived life quality and functional fitness of elderly subjects. Material and methods: Two groups of subjects, aged 70 -92 years, were studied: residents of a nursing home (Group R; n = 53) and those attending daytime nursing homes (Group D; n = 76). The EuroQol 5D questionnaire, and Romberg's and The Fullerton Functional Fitness tests were applied. Results: Subjects from Group D perceived their daily functioning and general feeling much higher than those from Group R. Group R seemed more homogenous in that respect than Group D since only in the former all three indices of the quality of life (daily functioning, general feeling and perceived health) were significantly intercorrelated (p<0.05 -0.001). Conclusions: Social aid for the elderly ought to be focused on stimulating them to be active instead of giving them a direct assistance only.