Assessment of Functional Fitness and Physical Activity Levels of Older Adults

Background: Although fitness is perceived as something related to young people, it is vital for the elderly for social, psychological and physiological health. Functional fitness performance provides physiological capacity to perform normal everyday activities safely and independently without undue fatigue (Rikli and Jones, 1999a). As people get older, their physical ability level is restricted due to medical, social and economic changes.

Aim: The objectives of this study were, first, to identify the relationship between functional fitness levels and physical activity levels of older adults and secondly evaluate the effects of social-economic and health statutes on functional fitness.

Methods: 101 elderly participants (62 females and 38 males, age between 60-85 years, body mass: 68,49±12,22; height: 161,78±7,94) took part in this study. Participants were asked to answer the functional fitness test (FFT) and a short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) respectively. The FFT provides a simple, easy‐to‐use battery of test items assessing the functional fitness of older adults. The FFT comprises six tests that measure the basic activities of daily living. These are: 1) Chair Stand, 2) Arm Curl, 3) Two-Minute Step Test or Six-Minute Walk, 4) Chair Sit and Reach, 5) Up and Go, and 6) Back Scratch Test.

Result: The main finding of the study was that there is no relation between physical activity level (PAL) and FFT score. There was also no statistically significant difference between the FFT score and PAL according to gender. In addition, there was no significant difference between PAL and FFT score according to smoking and alcohol use variables. However, it was found that participants with cardiac disease or diabetes mellitus had a lower physical activity level and FFT score.

Discussion: The literature shows that as the elderly become more dependent at home, their physical activity decreases and environmental factors, like alcohol, don’t have a positive or negative effect on this condition. Yet, the literature shows that previous health problems have a negative effect on physical activity.

Conclusion: It is believed that regardless of smoking and alcohol use, heart disease and diabetes mellitus are related to low levels of physical activity and FFT score. As a result, improving the level of physical activity may help prevent heart disease and diabetes mellitus.