The Interlink among Age, Functional Fitness, and Perception of Health and Quality of Life: A Mediation Analysis

Abstract

In aging societies, physical activity may benefit functional fitness influencing the health of older people. The aim of this study was to explore the interrelation between age and perception of health and quality of life, and the mediating effects of functional fitness in older individuals. One hundred and sixty-six late middle-aged (55–64 years, young-old (65–74 years), and old (75–84 years) adults, divided into senior athletes (n = 44), physically active (n = 59), and sedentary individuals (n = 63) were evaluated for functional fitness (flexibility, strength, interlimb coordination, endurance) and physical (Physical Component Summary-PCS) and mental (Mental Component Summary-MCS) health and quality of life perception. Multiple mediation analyses were applied to assess the relationship between age and PCS and MCS indices and the role of functional fitness-related mediators. For MCS only, the mediation analysis showed a positive total and direct effect of age and a negative total indirect effect through mediators. No effects emerged for PCS. Despite a decline in their functional fitness, older individuals were able to maintain a mental health perception, also demonstrating how beneficial effects of physically active lifestyle on functional fitness can positively impact the cognitive-emotional dimension of mental health with advancing age.

Judo for older adults: the coaches' knowledge and needs of education

“…Future research should focus on designing targeted educational interventions and investigating the impact of specialized coaching education on the quality of judo programs for older adults. Finally, the bivariate go zones analysis provides valuable guidance for developing targeted educational interventions for judo coaches, enhancing their expertise and optimizing the delivery of judo programs, ultimately promoting the older adults’ quality of life ( 21 , 22 , 31 , 44 ).…”

Risks and Benefits of Judo Training for Middle-Aged and Older People: A Systematic Review

“…As a multicomponent combat sport, judo training represents an extraordinary example of a suitable exercise program for older novice practitioners [ 2 , 23 , 26 , 38 , 59 ]. In fact, judo sessions include coordination and balance exercises performed barefoot, as well as an active engagement in activities and experiences that help older individuals in developing and maintaining their strength (i.e., nage-waza with practitioners moving and often lifting the partner) and flexibility (i.e., ju-no-kata practice with stretching), which could help in contrasting major degenerative aging processes (e.g., sarcopenia, osteoporosis) [ 26 , 29 , 38 ].…”

“…Other important issues to be considered are fragility (i.e., limited strength, endurance, and flexibility, as well as the presence of osteoporosis and osteopenia) and a status of loneliness that participants could experience. Support can emerge from personal, family, and social spheres highlighting the possible benefits of judo with advancing age [ 2 , 21 ]. To motivate the practitioners, recognise their competence, autonomy, and relatedness, judo coaches should possess specific hard (e.g., judo knowledge) and soft (e.g., communication, problem solving) skills [ 10 , 15 , 42 ].…”

“…Human longevity has increased considerably in western countries, urging policymakers to develop strategies for promoting health-enhancing active lifestyles for older people [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Ageing is a complex phenomenon characterised by a loss of physiological, functional, and cognitive capacities [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Asociación entre nivel de Actividad Física, y Motivación en personas mayores que practican Running (Association between level of Physical Activity and Motivation in older people who practice Running)

“…Los criterios de inclusión fueron PM, chilenas o extranjeras con residencia permanente, que practiquen Running de manera competitiva o recreacional, y que respondan los instrumentos de evaluación de forma completa y correctamente según las instrucciones. de actividad física en las personas mayores ha demostrado beneficio en la salud y en calidad vida como por ejemplo, mejorar funciones cognitivas (Romero et al, 2021), la calidad de vida (Ciaccioni et al, 2022) y reducir la fragilidad (Cokorilo et al, 2022;Daryanti et al, 2022). En las últimas décadas, la participación de personas mayores entrenadas en eventos de resistencia como la carrera de maratones se ha incrementado dramáticamente (León et al, 2021;Lepers & Cattagni, 2012).…”