scholarly journals Physical Activity and the Improvement of Autonomy, Functional Ability, Subjective Health, and Social Relationships in Women over the Age of 60

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6926
Author(s):  
María Antonia Parra-Rizo ◽  
Gema Sanchís-Soler
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Functional Abilities ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction

Regarding functional ability, autonomy, promotion of social relationships and health, little scientific evidence has been found of physical practice in active women over 60 years of age. Hence, the goal of this study was to assess the functional abilities and autonomy, social relationships and subjective health of physically active older women according to the level of activity practiced. The IPAQ and CUBRECAVI scales were applied to a sample of 257 women between 61 and 93 years old (M = 69.44, SD = 4.61). Statistically significant outcomes were obtained in functional ability and autonomy according to their level of physical activity (p = 0.001): greater satisfaction and frequency of social relationships with a mild level of physical activity (p = 0.011), and statistically significant differences in the degree of satisfaction with their health according to the level of physical activity they practice (p < 0.001). The results showed that those with high physical activity obtained better levels of functional abilities and autonomy. Additionally, dissatisfaction with one’s own health is associated with low levels of physical activity. In conclusion, it could be said that the practice of mild physical exercise in older women encourages greater autonomy and functional ability for activities of daily living, which results in independence in everyday life in addition to fostering social links as well as gaining a better satisfaction with their own health, with the socio-emotional benefits that this can bring.

scholarly journals The Practice of Vigorous Physical Activity Is Related to a Higher Educational Level and Income in Older Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10815
Author(s):  
Rafael Zapata-Lamana ◽  
Felipe Poblete-Valderrama ◽  
Igor Cigarroa ◽  
María Antonia Parra-Rizo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Higher Educational

Few studies have shown evidence about the factors that can determine physical practice in women over 60 years of age due to educational, economic, social, or health inequalities. Its knowledge could help to understand the determinants that encourage the practice of physical activity and the improvement of health in women over 60. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the level of studies, income, and the usefulness of social and health services in physically active older women according to the level of activity they practice. The IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and CUBRECAVI (subjective health scale) scales have been applied to a sample of 257 women between 61 and 93 years old (M = 69.44, SD = 4.61). The results have shown that those with vigorous physical activity are related to higher levels of education (p < 0.001) and income (p = 0.004). Furthermore, being dissatisfied with social and health services is associated with low levels of physical activity (p = 0.005). Older women who perform physical activity regularly are associated with high levels in some of the socio-environmental aspects of quality of life. High physical activity is related to a higher educational level and income. Socio-environmental factors generate social inequalities and modulate the lifestyles of older women.

scholarly journals Facilitators of and Barriers to Physical Activity in Retirement Communities: Experiences of Older Women in Urban Areas

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 551-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gudfinna Bjornsdottir ◽  
Solveig A. Arnadottir ◽  
Sigridur Halldorsdottir
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Functional Decline ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Retirement Community ◽  
Retirement Communities ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Physically Active

Abstract Background Older people are being encouraged to be physically active for as long as possible as a preventive measure against disease and functional decline. It remains, however, uncertain how living in a retirement community affects physical activity (PA). Objectives This study was conducted to understand the PA experiences of older women living in retirement communities and what they experience as facilitators of and barriers to PA. Design The study was qualitative and guided by the Vancouver School of doing phenomenology, a unique blend of phenomenology, hermeneutics, and constructivism. Method Participants were 10 women, aged from 72 to 97 years (mean=84 years). In-depth interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results A model was constructed with 3 main themes: (1) the women themselves, including their experienced health condition, individual aspects of functioning, and various personal factors; (2) the physical environment; and (3) the social environment. These main themes all include subthemes of experienced influences on PA, such as health, design of housing and environment, and local culture. These influences could both facilitate and hinder PA, depending on the context. The facilitating effects of good outdoor areas, accessible physical training facilities, a familiar neighborhood, and finding joy in PA were clear in the study. The barriers included worsening health, a colder climate with ice and wind, and lack of a PA culture within the retirement community. Conclusions An older woman's residence may strongly influence her ability and motivation to be physically active. Physical therapists should acquaint themselves with the facilitators of and barriers to PA of women within retirement communities and use that knowledge to influence the physical and social environment and to target PA interventions to the women themselves.

Physical activity as a factor of health-related behaviour in Czech adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (8) ◽  
pp. 21-31
Author(s):  
Kristyna Sindelarova
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Health Complaints ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Behavior Health ◽  
Health Related Behaviour ◽  
The Relationship

Physical activity is an important salutoprotective component of health-related behaviour, which delays cardiovascular ageing and prolongs life. The aim of this research is to map the extent of physical activity carried out by adults in the Czech Republic, assess the influence of determinants of physical activity and examine the relationship between physical activity and subjective health complaints. The research sample consisted of 1,263 Czech adult respondents aged 22–93. The volume of physical activity decreases with age. Based on regression analysis, we identified the strongest predictors of physical activity such as age, gender and the personality dimensions of ascendancy and vigour (according to Gordon Personal Profile - Inventory (GPP-I)). Men are more physically active than women, yet 51% of all respondents did not meet the minimum recommended amount of sports physical activity. It was confirmed that the higher extent of physical activity reduces the number of health complaints. Keywords: Physical activity (overall, sports, non-sports), health-promoting behavior, health complaints, age.

Concern about Falling in Older Women with a History of Falls: Associations with Health, Functional Ability, Physical Activity and Quality of Life

Gerontology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radhika Patil ◽  
Kirsti Uusi-Rasi ◽  
Pekka Kannus ◽  
Saija Karinkanta ◽  
Harri Sievänen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
History Of

scholarly journals “You Have to Keep Moving, Be Active”: Perceptions and Experiences of Habitual Physical Activity in Older Women With Osteoporosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ing-Mari Dohrn ◽  
Agneta Ståhle ◽  
Kirsti Skavberg Roaldsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Impaired Balance ◽  
Context Specific

Background Physical activity (PA) is essential for older adults with osteoporosis, and health care professionals play important roles in promoting PA and encouraging patients to make healthy choices. However, many factors influence habitual PA, and there is only limited knowledge about the perceptions and experiences of PA among older women with osteoporosis. Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions and experiences of PA and the factors that influence habitual PA among older adults with osteoporosis, impaired balance, and fear of falling. Design This was a qualitative interview study applying interpretive content analysis with an inductive approach. Methods Informants were a purposeful sample of 18 women, aged 66 to 86 years, with osteoporosis, impaired balance, and fear of falling. Individual, semistructured, face-to-face interviews were recorded, transcribed, condensed, and coded to find subthemes and themes. Results The overall theme found was “Physical activity—a tool for staying healthy with osteoporosis.” This overall theme comprised 2 main themes interpreting the challenges and possibilities of being physically active with osteoporosis. These themes were not separate but rather linked to each other like 2 sides of the same coin, with factors that could act as both barriers to and facilitators of PA. Personal preferences and osteoporosis-related concerns influenced habitual PA, and individualization was perceived as important. Limitations Some results may be context specific and limit the transferability to people with other cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds. Conclusions The women perceived that PA was an important tool to maintain health with osteoporosis and believed that they had a responsibility to use this tool. They had adapted to disease-specific limitations and developed strategies to overcome challenges and barriers to PA. Lack of PA promotion and conflicting advice about PA from physicians created uncertainty. Encouragement and guidance from physical therapists, individually or in groups, were very important.

scholarly journals Neck circumference as a discriminator of obesity in older women enrolled in a physical activity program

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 710-719
Author(s):  
Daniel Rogério Petreça ◽  
Enaiane Cristina Menezes ◽  
Paula Fabricio Sandreschi ◽  
Felipe Fank ◽  
Giovana Zarpellon Mazo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Roc Curve ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Neck Circumference ◽  
The Body ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Anthropometric Parameter ◽  
Physically Active

The aim of this study was to evaluate neck circumference (NC) as a discriminator of overweight and obesity and to establish cut-off points for physically active older women. The sample consisted of 170 older women (69.5 ± 6.8 years) practicing physical activity. Anthropometric measures (body weight, height, waist circumference – WC, and NC) were obtained and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Correlation analysis was performed and ROC curves were constructed. NC was significantly correlated with BMI (rho = 0.656; p<0.0001) and WC (r = 0.561; p<0.0001). Correlating BMI with NC, areas under the ROC curve of 0.819 (p=0.0001) for overweight and of 0.902 (p=0.0001) for obesity were obtained, with suggested cut-off points of 33.07 and 34.05 cm, respectively. Correlating WC with NC, areas under the ROC curve of 0.711 (p=0.0014) for moderate risk (WC) and of 0.864 (p=0.0001) for high risk were obtained, with suggested cut-off points of 32.15 and 34.15 cm, respectively. NC was associated with BMI and WC. An NC ≥ 34 cm was a risk factor for obesity and abnormal body fat distribution in the older women studied. This anthropometric parameter is an alternative to discriminate overweight and obesity in physically active older women.

Does Gender Influence Physical Activity and Psychosocial Factors in Older Exercisers? A Pilot Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-70
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Orsega-Smith ◽  
Nancy Getchell ◽  
Lindsay Palkovitz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Psychosocial Characteristics ◽  
Timed Up And Go ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Gender Influence

How does gender influence physical and psychosocial characteristics in physically active older adults? Much of the previous research on physical function in older women focuses on either the frailty of older women or on physical function irrespective of gender. These studies leave unknown the specific influence of regular physical activity on older women.Furthermore, few studies have examined the relationship between physical activity and psychosocial characteristics in older exercisers. We wanted to investigate whether differences exist between groups of older female and male adults who maintain a physically active lifestyle. Twenty-three female and 14 male physically active older adults performed physical function tests (i.e., chair stands, timed up-and-go, 6-minute walk) and filled out questionnaires related to psychosocial measures (i.e., social support, self-esteem, satisfaction with life). There were no differences in any physical function between the groups, and only one psychosocial measure (guidance) statistically differed (F (1, 31) = 4.14, p = .044). These results suggest that physically active women may not necessarily follow the trajectory towards frailty. More research needs to be done with a greater range of ages and physical activity levels.

Physical Activity as a Predictor of Health and Disability in 75- and 80-Year-Old Men and Women: A Five-Year Longitudinal Study

1998 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pia Laukkanen ◽  
Markku Kauppinen ◽  
Eino Heikkinen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Clear Trend ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Physical Activity Counseling ◽  
Baseline Status ◽  
Old Men

Identifying predictors of functional limitations among the elderly is essential for planning and implementing appropriate preventive services. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine baseline physical activity as a predictor of health and functional ability outcomes 5 years later in people age 75 and 80 years at baseline. A clear trend was observed: The more physically active subjects had better health and functional ability compared to their more sedentary counterparts. After controlling for the baseline status, the degree of physical activity did not predict future disability but still maintained its predictive role at the level of disease severity. It is suggested that the level of habitual physical activity is an important predictor of health and functional ability among elderly people. Presumably, however, there is a reciprocal causal relationship between physical activity and health in elderly people. Physical activity counseling should therefore be included in preventive health strategies for the elderly.

scholarly journals Levels of physical activity before and after stroke in relation to early cognitive function

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Viktorisson ◽  
Elisabeth M. Andersson ◽  
Erik Lundström ◽  
Katharina S. Sunnerhagen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Before And After

AbstractRegular physical activity is widely recommended in the primary and secondary prevention of stroke. Physical activity may enhance cognitive performance after stroke, but cognitive impairments could also hinder a person to take part in physical activity. However, a majority of previous studies have not found any association between post-stroke cognitive impairments and a person’s subsequent level of activity. In this explorative, longitudinal study, we describe the intraindividual change in physical activity from before to 6 months after stroke, in relation to early screening of post-stroke cognitive impairments. Participants were recruited at 2 to 15 days after stroke, and screened for cognitive impairments using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool. Information on pre-stroke physical activity was retrospectively collected at hospital admittance by physiotherapists. Post-stroke physical activity was evaluated after 6 months. Of 49 participants included, 44 were followed up. The level of physical activity changed in more than half of all participants after stroke. Participants who were physically active 6 months after stroke presented with significantly less cognitive impairments. These results highlight that many stroke survivors experience a change in their physical activity level following stroke, and that unimpaired cognition may be important for a stroke survivors’ ability to be physically active.

scholarly journals Does Physical Activity Lower the Risk for Metabolic Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study of Physically Active Elderly Women

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izabela Zając-Gawlak ◽  
Jana Pelclová ◽  
Dorota Groffik ◽  
Miroslava Pridalová ◽  
Agnieszka Nawrat-Szołtysik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Level ◽  
High Density Cholesterol ◽  
Mean Concentration

Abstract Background: There are few studies assessing the health of older women with respect to their physical activity. This study sought to determine whether changes in the physical activity of 59 women aged 60+ measured seven years apart and the risk of the participants developing the metabolic syndrome (MetS) were related to each other. Methods: The physical activity of the participants was measured using the accelerometers in 2009 and 2016. Their risk for the MetS was assessed as per the NCEP-ATP III criteria. Results: The number of steps the participants took daily increased between 2009 and 2016 from 10.944±3,560 to 11.652±4865. Women who maintained a high level of physical activity between the measurements, or increased it, had a significantly higher mean concentration of high-density cholesterol in 2016 (80.3 vs. 64.5 mg/dL and 79.2 vs. 66.9mg/dL, respectively). In the latter, a lower concentration of triglycerides (TG) (123.8 vs. 158.3mg/dL) was also observed. In 2016, only 7 women met 3 or more criteria for MetS compared with 24 in 2009; at the same time, the mean number of the MetS criteria met by a participant fell from 2.2±1.4 to 1.4±1.0.Conclusions: The number of MetS criteria that the participants met in 2016 was lower than in 2007, probably due to the high number of steps taken daily. Therefore, their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases was lower too.

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