Functional fitness and psychological well-being in older adults
2025

Functional fitness and psychological well-being in older adults

Sample size: 39 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tóth Eliza E., Vujić Aleksandar, Ihász Ferenc, Ruíz-Barquín Roberto, Szabo Attila

Primary Institution: Eötvös Loránd University

Conclusion

Endurance, complex coordination, and lower body flexibility are the most important predictors of psychological well-being in older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Endurance was consistently identified as a key predictor of psychological well-being.
  • Lower body flexibility was the most critical predictor for four out of five psychological measures.
  • Upper body strength and flexibility were found to be the least significant predictors.

Takeaway

This study found that being fit in certain ways, like having good endurance and flexibility, helps older people feel happier and more satisfied with life.

Methodology

The study used the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test to assess functional fitness and various psychometric instruments to measure psychological well-being.

Potential Biases

Participants were volunteers from nursing homes, which may introduce selection bias.

Limitations

The sample size is small and may not represent the broader population of older adults.

Participant Demographics

Participants were older adults aged 60 to 94, with two-thirds being female.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12877-024-05654-2

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