[Motor competence and quality of life in elderly active persons].
Physical activity is a vital pre-condition for healthy aging and well-being. While the association between objective and subjective health in old age has extensively been investigated, the relationship between objective motor competence-the capability of mastering motor demands in everyday life adequately by using motor resources optimally-and subjective health-related quality of life has not been studied yet. In an interdisciplinary study, 168 active seniors (36 men) at the mean age of 67 (range: 59-89) underwent a test battery assessing motor resources and two objective domains of everyday life motor competence-"Perceiving and Reacting" and "Mastering Complex Situations". Subsequently, participants rated their mental, physical, social, functional health and life satisfaction by questionnaire. Motor competence domains were age-dependent; the strongest decrease was found for "Mastering Complex Situations". Only "Mastering Complex Situations" was predicted by motor resources: competent seniors in this domain were faster in motor activity, simple reactions, body movements following acoustic and optic signals, and showed a stronger handcraft and a higher mobility. Overall, health-related quality of life was contingent upon motor competence: physical and functional health and-to a lesser extent-mental health and life satisfaction showed a systematic but moderate relationship to both motor competence domains. The results emphasize the significance of age-compatible and everyday life-adjusted physical activity for the well-being of elderly persons. Even active elderly persons show deficits in motor competence and should be trained, taking into account individual resources and flaws.
Wiesmann
U
U
Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald, Walther-Rathenau-Strasse 48, 17487 Greifswald, Germany. wiesmann@uni-greifswald.de
Eisfeld
K
K
Hannich
H-J
HJ
Hirtz
P
P
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis