| Keywords |
Physical activity ; Physical fitness ; Strength ; Endurance ; Flexibility |
| Abstract |
To explore differences of health related physical fitness as age advanced in elderly population, and to provide detailed information for establishing structured and efficient fitness program for the population, 1,573 (>60 yrs) elderly men (n=591) and women (n=982) were recruited from various institutions in the Seoul Metropolitan Area. They were conveniently categorized by 5 years by age from 60, and were tested for health related fitness levels including cardiorespiratory endurance (2-min walking), muscular strength (grip strength and back strength), muscular endurance (chair sit-and-stand and biceps curl), and flexibility (sit and reach). Based on the results, the physical fitness level decreased as age advanced, particularly in low back strength, upper body muscular strength, and flexibility. Although statistically not significant, in some variables, an older subgroup tended to show a better fitness level due to their daily physical activity levels. Exercises promoting the muscular strength and flexibility is recommended, and the exercises may lead the inactive elderly to participate a regular physical activity. |