Abstract
Background: The appropriate level of functional fitness is a very important element for seniors to maintain self-reliance in daily life. The aim of this research was to assess sociodemographic differences, selected elements of lifestyle, and functional fitness in the older residents of social welfare homes and community dwellers Methods: The analysed group comprised 693 women aged 65–79, including 173 subjects living in social welfare homes and 520 community-dwelling women. Basic anthropometric features were measured, and functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test. Basic sociodemographic characteristics, as well as data on health self-assessment and selected elements of lifestyle, were also collected. Results: The female residents of social welfare homes were found to have a lower body mass index (BMI), and they came from smaller cities, compared with community-dwelling older women. Furthermore, almost a third of them had no children and completed primary or vocational education. They also reported smoking, poor health conditions, and lack of physical activity. The functional fitness of women living in social welfare homes was significantly lower than in community-dwelling women. Conclusions: As seniors living in social welfare homes have such a significantly reduced level of functional fitness, compared with their peers living independently, it is necessary to include them in adaptive physical activity and diversified daily activities.
Highlights
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutralThe process of ageing is influenced by many factors, such as physical activity, diet, lifestyle, and the use of stimulants
The results of our study indicate a very low level of functional fitness of the female residents of social welfare homes, which may suggest that physical activity classes are not properly conducted
The results of our study indicate a faster regression of physical fitness in residents of social welfare homes
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutralThe process of ageing is influenced by many factors, such as physical activity, diet, lifestyle, and the use of stimulants. The appropriate level of functional fitness is a very important element for seniors to maintain self-reliance in daily life. The main components of functional physical fitness are the strength and flexibility of the lower and upper body, aerobic capacity, motor coordination, and dynamic balance. These elements allow seniors to perform daily activities necessary for self-reliant living, such as housework, walking, climbing stairs, and carrying objects [1]. Maintaining physical fitness at a level sufficient to efficiently carry out everyday activities and to be independent is of great importance for the quality of life of older people [2,3]
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