Self-Reported and Objectively Measured Physical Activity of Elderly Men from the Canton Sarajevo

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the level of physical activity of elderly men living in the Canton of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The sample consisted of 162 subjects, divided in two sub-sample: fi rst group aged 50-59 (55.17±2.91), N = 84; and second group aged 60-69 (65.01±3.04), N = 78. Data collection was obtained using a long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ). After the analysis of the results, a high overall level of physical activity of the treated sample of elderly men was determined. The fi rst group of elderly men (age 50-59) achieved the total work MET 18234.33 ± 40827.53; the second group of elderly men (age 60-69) achieved the total work MET 14324.09 ± 31249.24. Determined exceptionally heavy physical activity (MET) was the most dominant mode of energy consumption in the case of both elderly groups, was not expected. Statistical signifi - cance was observed in the variables of total activity in transport (p 0.05). This research has confi rmed that physical activity decreases with age. Promoting physical activity to improve the quality of life of elderly people should be a priority task of health policy of all local communities. It is important to provide appropriate ways of information about the health status of elderly persons in order to determine priorities, and accordingly plan appropriate programs of physical activity.

Keywords

• Metabolic Equivalent of MET
• Older Age
• Health
• Local Community