Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the quality of life of students of a University of the Third Age (U3A) and examine its correlations with demographic variables, physical fitness, perception ability, and emotional well-being. Material and methods. The study involved 116 women aged 50 to 88 years who participated in U3A classes held at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Quality of life was assessed using an abridged version of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Additionally the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test, a dynamometer hand grip strength test, and Romberg's test were performed. The Attention and Perceptiveness Test (version 6/9) by Ciechanowicz and Stańczak, the UMACL Mood Adjective Checklist by Matthews, Chamberlain, and Jones, as well as the Geriatric Depression Scale by Yesavage were also used. Finally, data concerning age, marital status, economic status, chronic diseases, and medication use was collected with a specially designed questionnaire. Results. The U3A students who took part in the study perceived their quality of life as relatively high. The domain of quality of life which was found to be the most strongly correlated with demographic variables was the psychological health domain: scores in this domain decreased with the subjects' age and increased with their level of education and economic status. Health satisfaction was directly proportional to economic status and inversely proportional to the level of education. Depression scores correlated significantly negatively with quality of life scores in all domains, the overall perception of quality of life, and health satisfaction, as well as predicting quality of life in the domains of psychological health and the environment. The predictors of the subjects' perceived quality of life were the following: lower body strength, agility, flexibility, and aerobic endurance. Conclusions. The findings of the study confirm that demographic variables (age, education, and economic status), depression and mood, as well as physical fitness are important predictors of quality of life in women in late adulthood.

Introduction: Quality of life is identified as a key element in healthy ageing. A decrease in physical activity and fitness levels as well as fear or depression increase the frequency of hospitalisation and mortality rate among elderly persons. Moreover, these factors significantly reduce the quality of life. The aim of the study was to determine changes in elderly women's perception of their quality of life that occurred over a period of 3 months of attending regular classes. In addition, the study sought to identify factors that would make it possible to predict these changes. Material and methods: The study included 56 women aged 58 to 85 (M=69.54; SD=6.578). Their quality of life was assessed with an abbreviated version of WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire. Severity of depressive symptoms was examined with the use of the Geriatric Depression Scale (a 15-item version). In order to determine physical fitness levels, FFF Test was carried out. Results: The examined group manifested changes in the depression indicator, i.e. its levels decreased significantly. A considerable increase in self-rated health was observed. There occurred a significant increase in the women's perception of their quality of life in social and environmental domains. No significant changes in the quality of life were noted in physical and psychological domains as well as in overall satisfaction with the quality of life. Conclusions: The findings suggest that attending classes at the UTA may produce benefits in the field of psychological health and life quality, and their scope may depend on the initial state of physical health and physical fitness.

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to determine the speed and failures of perception and attention among female students of the University of the Third Age (U3A) and their links with physical fitness and mood. Material/MethodsThe study involved 114 women aged between 50 and 88 years old (M = 68.17) participating in U3A lectures at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Perception ability was investigated using Ciechanowicz and Stańczak's Attention and Perception Test. Physical fitness was assessed with the Fullerton Fitness Test and the Romberg manoeuvre to evaluate the ability to maintain balance. The participants were also assessed with the Matthews, Chamberlain and Jones UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist (UMACL) and the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. ResultsCompared with standard values for adults, the subjects had average failure of perception, slightly slower perception speed and lower failures of attention. The perception speed was negatively correlated with the age and the education level, and positively correlated with static balance and lower body strength. Perception failures were positively correlated with age and negatively with the education level and energy levels at the time of the study. No significant correlation was found between attention and age and the education level, physical fitness and mood at the time of the study; none of the indicators of perception ability were correlated with mood and depression indicators during the previous two weeks. ConclusionsRegular physical exercise in elderly people can be used to maintain physical fitness and perception ability.

Background One of the most important geriatric problems which increases the risk of injury and disability is falling. The consequences involve fractures of the hips and femoral neck, leading to restrictions in mobility, independence and the quality of life. Reduction of the risk is the main challenge of modern geriatrics. Aim The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of training using the ActivLife system in women over 60 years of age who have declared difficulties in maintaining the balance of the body. Method The study covered a group of 14 women over 60 years of age. The experimental group participated in a 4-week program with the use of the ActivLife system and the author's exercise program providing assistance in maintaining balance. The Fullerton Functional Fitness Test as well as measurements on a baropodometric platform were applied to assess the effectiveness of the activities. Results In the experimental group, a positive correlation (r=0.769) was observed between the results of attempting to perform the 'Two minute step test' and the 'Chair Stand' (r=0.850 in the control group). In addition, the studied group experienced a significantly negative correlation (r=-0.838) between the results of attempting to perform the 'Up-and-Go' and the 'chair Stand' (the control group presented a negative correlation of r=-0.856). In the selected attempts related to fitness and balance, dependencies between different parameters can be observed.

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