Physical fitness assessment of older adults in the primary care setting

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the relationships between the physical fitness and the demographic characteristics, general health and well‐being, social support, and physical activity in a group of community‐dwelling older adults. This study also assessed the feasibility of obtaining physical fitness measures in the primary care setting. Data sources: Thirty‐four persons older than 60 years completed self‐report measures and the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), a battery of fitness measures normed for older adults. Self‐report measures included demographics, general health and well‐being (SF‐36), social support (Social Support for Physical Activity Scale), and physical activity levels (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly). Conclusions: Physically active older adults had significantly better upper and lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and dynamic balance. Older adults who reported better general health and had fewer chronic conditions scored better on the physical fitness tests. The SFT took 10‐15 min to complete in the primary care setting. Implications for practice: Physical fitness measures give primary care providers objective information to develop a physical activity program for their patients. A physical activity program that includes recommendations for aerobic endurance, strength, flexibility, and/or balance that is based on objective findings may be a useful tool to promote better health and physical fitness in older adults.

Validity and reliability of the Chinese translation of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)

“…The mean score for the PASE-C in our sample was below reported PASE-C scores in other elderly populations such as the Japanese [28], Americans [14] and Canadians living in Saskatoon [12], but our values were relatively close to those reported for the Dutch population [27]. It is difficult to determine if the low PASE-C scores reflects a sedentary lifestyle among the elderly Chinese populations residing in Vancouver, or if the differences are more related to study group demographics that affect physical activity such as older age, decreased income, and education level [17].…”

“…Conversely, increased physical activity is associated with, among others; a healthy body mass index (BMI), [11] better mental health [12,13] dynamic balance [14] and a decreased risk of falls [15]. Despite the obvious health benefits of physical activity, 63% of all Canadians are not sufficiently active to benefit their health [16] with 17% of those under the age of 64 being completely inactive compared to 29% of adults 65 and older [17].…”

“…It can be completed in less than 5 minutes and has been validated in numerous studies [24][25][26][27][28]. The PASE has been used to measure physical activity levels in older adults who live in rural areas [29], to assess physical fitness levels in older adults in primary care settings [14] and to determine predictors of physical activity [11,12]. Originally developed in Britain [30], the PASE has been used in North America, the Netherlands [27] and Japan [28].…”

Occupational Performance Problems in 85-Year-Old Women and Men in Sweden

“…It is concluded that activity is important for successful aging (Menec, 2003;Agahi, & Parker, 2008;Townsend & Polatajko, 2007;Bassett, Bourbonnais, & McDowell, 2007) and that physical activity leads to increased strength, endurance, and balance (Purath, Buchholz, & Kark, 2009) as well as less depressive symptoms (Salguero, Martínez-García, Molinero, & Márquez, 2010). Increasing the level of preventive interventions among relatively healthy elderly people is an area of concern for occupational therapists in primary care.…”

Physical Activity: Exploring Views of Older Russian-Speaking Slavic Immigrants

“…Past research identifies that healthcare providers can play a key role in encouraging and supporting physical activity with the older adult population [18–21]. Specifically, when healthcare providers encourage physical activity, moderately disadvantaged and minority participants can overcome barriers to physical activity [19].…”