Physical activity and the health of elderly women

Author(s): Andrzej Knapik, Edward Saulicz, Ryszard Plinta, Michał Kuszewski

Background. Today’s demographic trends - a permanent increase in the percentage of elderly people, tend to search for all determinants of health in the elderly. The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of physical activity on a self-assessment health in older women. Materials and methods. 186 women aged 55-75 were tested with the application of sociometric methods. The following questionnaires were applied: self-assessment of activity levels (SEWL) and self-assessment of health (SF-36 Results. Relationship was found between the activity and the physical and mental health component as well as a decrease of activity and self-assessment of health with age. Conclusions. Physical activity is a potent factor influencing positive to health self-assessment in all its aspects. Age gradually reduces motor activity of women: the limit of 60 years old - for the professional activity, and 70 years old - for the overall activity.