Mjg. Vanheuvelen et al., PHYSICAL-FITNESS RELATED TO AGE AND PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY IN OLDER PERSONS, Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 30(3), 1998, pp. 434-441
Objective: This study investigated physical fitness as a function of a
ge and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) in a community-based samp
le of 624 persons aged 57 yr and older. Methods: LTPA during the last
12 months was assessed through personal interviews. A wide range of ph
ysical fitness components was measured using performance-based tests.
Results: Physical fitness was associated with the interaction age by L
TPA in only a few components, in a gender-specific way, with generally
larger differences in fitness between active and less active persons
with increasing age. All LTPA, including low intensity LTPA, is positi
vely and age-independent associated with most physical fitness compone
nts. Conclusion: The importance of LTPA typically participated in by t
he general population lies not so much in the delaying of the motor ag
ing process but rather in a general, age-independent, positive effect.