Physical activity, quality of life go together in older women

The more physically active a woman over 60 is, the higher the overall quality of her life, a new study says. This appears to be true whether she lives independently or in a facility where she gets help with everyday chores, such as cooking and cleaning.

However, an older woman who lives independently is more likely to be physically active and enjoy a higher quality of life — including better physical health, says findings published in the November issue of Women’s Health Issues by Kelli F. Koltyn, UW–Madison associate professor of kinesiology.

“Numerous scientific studies have indicated the important health benefits of physical activity for healthy and even frail older adults,” Koltyn says, “and physical activity can also be effective in reducing or preventing functional declines associated with aging.”

Yet, until now, less attention has been paid to how activity level might affect not just physical health, but overall quality of life – a measure that takes physical, emotional, social and environmental factors into account.

Koltyn examines the link between physical activity and quality of life in 60 women over the age of 60. About 70 percent of the study participants lived independently, while the remaining 30 percent lived in assisted-care facilities.

Their responses reveal that the women living in assisted care burned fewer calories each day being physically active, spent less time engaged in physical activity and tended to avoid climbing stairs and walking – despite the fact that they appeared just as capable as the independent women of performing simple everyday tasks.

At the same time, the women in assisted care gave lower ratings to their overall quality of life, physical health, social relationships and living environment.

Koltyn finds that, regardless of where a woman lived, she is more likely to give her overall quality of life and physical health high ratings if she is more physically active.

Prior to this study, Koltyn notes, there was ample evidence that the vast majority of older women “have physical activity levels that are lower than recommended in public health standards” and that, “in the long term, older adults … hurt their health more by not exercising” than by exercising. Now, Koltyn observes, there is another motivation to find safe and effective ways to encourage older adults to become physically active: helping them see their lives in a more positive light.

In addition, Koltyn’s findings reveal which benefits might help “sell” a physical activity program to an older woman. The chance to improve social interaction and enhance well-being appealed to study participants who did not exercise regularly, regardless of where they lived. The possibility of increased fitness also attracted those who lived independently, while the possibility of improved concentration held extra appeal for those living in assisted-care facilities.

The study was supported by a Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health and Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Scholar in Women’s Health Care Grant.