Background The construction of useful and attainable indicators of fitness assessment deserves special attention in clinical practice. We aimed to construct an indicator of the functional fitness age (FFA) of women aged 50 and older by an equation using fitness outcomes and its correlation with chronological age (CA) and to analyze the external validity of our results by comparing our sample to others. Methods Participants ( n = 459, age: 70.3 ± 7.9 years, mean ± SD) were evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test battery. We applied a multiple regression and a subsequent Holt's exponential smoothing to analyze the outcomes. Results We obtained a statistically significant expression of F (6, 452) = 328.384; p < 0.0005 in which the coefficients of the equation explain 81% of variability ( R 2 corrected = 0.813). The equation correlates fitness assessment in women aged 50 and over with regards to CA: FFA = 40.146 + 0.350 × CS (stand) − 0.714 × AC (rep) − 0.110 × ST (step) − 0.177 × CSR (cm) − 0.101 × BS (cm) + 8.835 × FUG (s) where CS means chair stand test, AC means arm curl test, ST means 2-min step test, CSR means chair sit-and-reach test, BS means back scratch test, FUG means 8-foot up-and-go test. We compared this index with percentiles distribution from our sample and from other studies. Conclusion We suggest the use of FFA as a valid indicator of fitness in adult and senior women as well as a useful motivational tool to undertake exercise programs.

The aim of this study was to compare fitness levels in women aged 60 and over participating in a supervised exercise program (involving tai chi, recreational gymnastics, and/or aquatic fitness) with those in a sedentary group. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 171 women aged from 60 to 92 who attended public community clubs for older adults. The instruments used included the Senior Fitness Test, the Tinetti Balance Assessment Tool, the Katz Index, and the Lawton & Brody Activities of Daily Living Scale. Significant differences in fitness levels were observed when we compared the exercise groups with the sedentary group. Women with better fitness levels had a lower risk of suffering falls and greater autonomy in performing activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Agility and gait control were found to be independently associated with exercise groups.

The study findings may aid park managers in developing effective management strategies for promoting health-enhancing PA in protected natural areas.