Physical Fitness in Elderly

COMPARISON OF THE PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVELS IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY DWELLING ELDERLY PEOPLE

Aging decreases the physical fitness levels in living beings. The environmental factors also have a major effect on the physical fitness levels. The objective of this study was to compare the physical fitness levels of nursing home residents and community-dwelling elderly people. This study employed 118 participants, who consisted of nursing home residents and community-dwelling elderly people. The physical fitness levels of the elderly people were measured by Senior Fitness Test. The physical fitness levels of the elderly people were measured by Senior Fitness Test. Chair stand test, arm curl test, 2-minute step test, chair sit and reach test, back-scratch test, 8-foot up and go test and body mass index were measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged between 65 and 85 years
2. Scored between 24 and 30 points in the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE).
3. Living in nursing homes for at least six months (for nursing home residents) (6,7).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Not able to communicate verbally
2. Not able to stand for at least 90 seconds and ambulated with assistance
3. Patients with severe visual impairment, neurological disorders and/or congestive heart failure
4. Individuals who are not advised exercise.