Correlation Between Physical Activity And Nutritional Status In Portuguese Non-Institutionalized Elderly People

Abstract

The individual is an active agent on his/her own aging process and decisions about his/her behavioral repertoires determine the capacity for healthy aging. So, an intervention is possible to modify intentional and positively such behaviors. An active lifestyle and healthy diet are factors that contribute to longevity and quality of life of the elderly, because of their impact in active aging. This study aims to assess the impact of individual variables of the elderly in physical activity and nutritional status, and the relationship between them. The sample included 73 participants aged 73.8 ± 6.6, and 71.2% women. The instruments used were the Baecke Questionnaire Modified (QBM) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). While in domestic activities the highest scores were observed in women, sports activities occurred among those not living alone. The overall score showed higher values in younger participants. The subjective health correlated positively with domestic and sports activities. Health perception and marital status were shown to be related with the nutritional status (p≤.05). Participants with normal nutritional status showed, in general, a more positive health perception. There was a positive correlation between nutritional status and household chores. We found positive effects of physical activity in this age group and recommend the need to promote interventions both in this area and in the nutritional status, particularly in certain groups of elderly people.