Physical activity, physical fitness and quality of life of the University of the Third Age students.
Physical activity, physical fitness and quality of life of the University of the Third Age students.

Summary/Abstract: Background: Physical activity (PA) has a positive effect on human health at all ages and it is especially important in older people. When insufficient, it may lead to the deterioration of a person’s health status. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the declared PA of the Universities of the Third Age (U3A) students and to examine the relationship between the level of PA, physical performance, and quality of life in this population. Material and methods: The study included 99 subjects, aged ≥60 years, with a Mini Mental State Examination score ≥24. Participants were examined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the Activities of Daily Living scale (ADL), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), and the short form of the geriatric depression scale (GDS). Handgrip strength (HS) was measured using the baseline hydraulic dynamometer. Results: Statistically significant differences in the results of women and men were demonstrated in 5 variables: the level of PA measured with the IPAQ, physical component summary of the SF-36 questionnaire, the total SPPB score, HS of the dominant hand and the non-dominant hand. In all examinations, men obtained higher scores than women. Positive correlations between PA and the result of the ADL, IADL, SPPB, HS and physical component summary of the SF-36 questionnaire were shown. Conclusions: The study confirmed that the participants of the U3A classes mostly meet the recommendations regarding minimum PA and they willingly undertake regular PA. It translates into high functional and physical fitness, stronger muscles and a good QoL.

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