[Assessment of the impact of physical activity on the health status of elderly people].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this research study carried-out in 1999 was to assess the impact of various forms of activity (physical, pro-social and intellectual-mental) on health status of the group of people aged 65 and more.


METHODS
A tool used to conduct the research was anonymous questionnaire. After a preliminary assessment of 2072 questionnaires for a further analysis, 1910 questionnaires (92.6%) have been selected. Health status has been assessed on the basis of the following epidemiological parameters: information on illness and health problems, hospitalisation, disability, mobility, and body weight, depression, limited life enthusiasm, assessment of satisfaction resulting from contacts with other persons, identification of problems connected with ageing. Activity has been assessed on the basis of responses to the open and closed questions. The statistic tests: Chi 2, logistic regression, Pearson's correlation were used.


RESULTS
Active persons assessed their health condition more positively, they suffered from fewer CVD's and their health condition was more stable, many had a better psycho-social status, and they less often used medical services (hospitalisation). Legal and biological disability, except 1st disability category and persons who were immobile did not constitute any barrier to become active. Similarly, diseases didn't exclude activity, except very severe pathologies. In the group of active persons overweight subjects constituted a minority, while no active person was obese. Majority of respondents has admitted that their health condition has deteriorated drastically at the age of 63-64.


CONCLUSIONS
Activity of persons over 65 year old is one of many independent determinants and indicators of positive ageing.
Gebska-Kuczerowska
Anita
A
akuczerowska@pzh.gov.pl
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires