Physical activity in elderly patients – preliminary report

Abstract

Background. The recent increase in the number of people over 60 forces the public opinion to take an interest in the problems of this group of people. One of those problems is physical activity, as it is one of the factors that will influence their health. It should be considered if the elderly have a positive attitude to exercise, what type of exercise is performed and whether they practiced any sport in their youth and what will be the most important goal of exercise. Aim of the study. The aim of this study was an initial self-assessment of their physical activity of the elderly patients. Material and methods. The study involved 50 patients from the Geriatric Clinic, University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz who were above 60 years of age. The subjects took part in an anonymous questionnaire on physical activity. Results. 32 (64%) of the patients declared a positive attitude toward exercise, 11 (22%) had a negative attitude, 5 (10%) connected it to their well-being, and 2 (4%) said that they must force themselves to perform physical activity. 16 (32%) of the respondents actively practiced sport in their youth, 28 (56%) did not, and 6 (12%) were not able to remember. The disciplines practiced by the respondents were: running (8, 44%), swimming (5, 28%), football (3, 17%) and gymnastics (2, 11%). The current preferred mode of physical activity in the free time of the respondents is: walking (26, 52%), cycling (18, 36%), Nordic walking (4, 8%), fishing (2, 4%). According to the patients, the purpose of physical exercise is: general fitness (30, 60%), fitness in everyday activities (9, 18%) and independence from others (11, 22%). Conclusions. Elderly patients mostly speak positively of exercise and they state that the primary goal of exercise is maintaining overall fitness, regardless of sex, age, place of residence, marital status or education.