Physical Condition and Mental Health Status in Physically Independent Older Women

Abstract

There exists both a physical and mental deterioration that affects the functional status of elderly people. It is expected to determine the level of physical condition and the mental health status of old physically autonomous women and establish relationships. A sample of thirty women aged 67.52±3.1 was taken. While physical condition was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), for the mental health was used the Mini-Mental test. Besides, weight and height were recorded and body mass index was calculated (BMI). Regarding BMI and following World Health Organization’s criteria related to obesity, the sample is not outside the typical limits. Scores of SFT determined that all results were within normal limits except those of the two-minute walk’s test and the flexibility focused on the lower body, balance and agility. The Mini-Mental test results are also within the normal limits. A positive moderate correlation (r=0.67) was obtained from the static equilibrium test thanks to a strength test of the lower extremity. People with more strength in the lower extremity obtained lower scores in the agility test (r=-0.67). There is moderate positive correlation (r=0.62) between the test of agility and speed of travel. Correlations of physical test with the Mini-Mental are low. Definitely, the level of physical fitness and mental health is in the normal range. It has not been found a relationship between the physical fitness and the mental health status.