Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Currently, there are few reports concerning the association of fitness, physical activities and the quality of life in elderly people.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of daily physical activities on physical health and quality of life in elderly people.
METHODS: The physical status, physical activities and quality of life of 2 015 60-75 years old community residents from Jiangsu Province were investigated using National Physical Fitness Evaluation Standard, Standards for Adults, Fitness and International Physical Activity Questionnaire and SF-36 Scale.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results revealed that: ①Household chores and physical activities constituted the main source of physical activities of residents. Physical activities level of elderly residents were based on low intensity; Female residents,energy expenditure of weekly physical activity was significantly higher than that of male; Majority of elderly residents’ physical condition reached the passing level; the passing rate and good rate physical status in female was higher than the male. Over weight or underweight was bad for body fitness. ②The quality of life scores of elderly residents just reached the passing level; Body function and whole health grade in male were better than that in female (P < 0.05); Female's social function, emotion role, psychological health were better than male (P < 0.05). Body composition played an important role in quality of life. ③There were significant positive correlations among mean MET-mins consumed in physical activities per week, fitness scores and quality of life scores. Physical activity was a protective factor for healthy physique. The daily physical activity level was one of important standards to weight quality of life.