Association between functional physical fitness and health status of the elderly

Abstract

Introduction Portugal currently has one of the most aging populations in Europe. Aging is usually associated with increased inactivity, decreased physical capacity and a higher incidence of disease, all of which leads to a reduction in functional changes and, consequently, loss of independence. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that this population maintains a satisfactory level of physical and mental skills, emotional well-being and especially independence to perform day-to-day activities, and, to that end, measures are needed to promote health and allow a better quality of life. Objectives To verify if the physical fitness components are determinant for the health status of the elderly. Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out on non-institutionalized elderly. For data collection, a questionnaire with sociodemographic data, the SF-12 questionnaire, to assess health status (physical and mental component), and the Senior Fitness Test (strength of lower and upper limbs, agility / balance, flexibility of the lower and upper limbs and cardiorespiratory fitness) to assess functional physical fitness were conducted. Results The sample is composed of 439 individuals, aged between 65 and 95 years old, mostly women. The set of physical fitness components: cardiorespiratory fitness, agility / balance, body mass index, lower and upper limb strength, explained by 35% of the variation in physical component from SF-12. The cardiorespiratory fitness and upper limb strength predict 9% of mental health status. Conclusion Some physical fitness components determine elderly health status, especially the physical dimension. Thus, for the elderly population the training of these components of the physical fitness is recommended in order to improve their health status.

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