Factors Differentiating the Level of Functional Fitness in Polish Seniors.

Danuta Umiastowska,Joanna Kupczyk

doi:10.3390/ijerph17051699

Abstract

In this study, functional fitness is defined as the level of independence and self-sufficiency of an elderly person, which facilitates leading an independent life, without the need for assistance from other people. A decrease in functional fitness among older adults is influenced by a variety of factors. In addition to changes occurring in the human body in accordance with the laws of ontogenetic development, they can also be analyzed in terms of somatic parameters and the age of the subjects. The aim of this research was to find the factors differentiating the level of functional fitness of older adults. It involved 509 people divided into a group of people involved in regular physical activity and an inactive group. The Fullerton Functional Fitness Test was used to measure the level of physical fitness, and anthropometric measurements (body weight and height) were also performed. The level of functional fitness of Polish seniors was compared with the American standards established by R. E. Rikli and C. J. Jones. The results of our research confirm a higher level of functional fitness in active older adults, both women and men. In this group, BMI—(Body Mass Index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight) showed a greater correlation with shoulder girdle and back muscles strength, complex coordination, balance, agility, and endurance in women than in men. Finally, the surveyed Polish seniors exhibited a higher level of functional fitness than their American peers.

Highlights

The period of senior adulthood starting at 60–70 years of age is inevitably accompanied by multi-directional changes in motor skills, which are closely related to the lifestyle and state of health in the earlier decades of life [1].Aging is accompanied by a reduction in muscle strength, primarily due to a decrease in physical activity and muscle mass
The comparison of the results demonstrated by Polish seniors with the only existing standards proposed by Rikli and Jones [18,21] was in favor of our subjects (Tables 5 and 6)
Its scope and pace may differ between individuals, a lower level of functional fitness is associated with the risk of loss of functional independence in everyday life, and so the motor abilities of older adults need to be monitored and evaluated in order to implement appropriate programs and procedures [3,16,17,18]

Summary

Introduction

The period of senior adulthood starting at 60–70 years of age is inevitably accompanied by multi-directional changes in motor skills, which are closely related to the lifestyle and state of health in the earlier decades of life [1].Aging is accompanied by a reduction in muscle strength, primarily due to a decrease in physical activity and muscle mass. And senile people are less capable of adapting to external factors, e.g., to stressful stimuli, and exhibit a slower return to homeostasis. They experience changes in the chemical composition of blood, blood pressure, and body heat. The nervous system becomes affected, which is manifested by increased emotional lability, weakened memory and concentration, and general mental deterioration [1,2]. A deteriorated functional state indicates an increased need for assistance, either by family or institutions. This has become a important social issue with the imminent increase in the proportion of older adults in the population. Appropriate preventive measures can and should counteract the premature disability of older adults or aggravation of the existing disabilities

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion