Physical activity and health self-assessment of the elderly
Keywords:
old age, physical activity, self-assessment of healthAbstract
Introduction: Demographic projections indicate an increase in the proportion of the elderly in the society. Consequently, research on factors leading to successful aging is needed.
Purpose of the study: The aim of the study was to determine to what degree age, gender, education and physical activity influence health self-assessment in the elderly. Furthermore, an attempt was made to assess the correlation between these variables.
Materials and methods: 129 subjects were examined: 71 females, 58 males in the age of 60–79, using sociometric techniques. International Physical Activity Questionnaire or IPAQ (IPAQshortpast) was used to measure physical activity, whereas SF-36 (Short Form Health Survey) was used in order to determine health self-assessment. Statistical analysis involved performing the descriptive statistics, calculating correlation ratio as well as analysis of variation (ANOVA).
Results: A weak, negative correlation between age and health self-assessment as well as between age and physical activity level was noted. Educational level differentiates both physical activity and health self-assessment level.
Conclusions: Both physical activity and health self-assessment decrease with age. No statistically significant differences between females and males regarding health self-assessment were found. Educational level is a strong modifier, positively influencing both activity and health self-assessment.
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