Level of physical fitness of elderly people from 60 to 80 years old during a pandemic COVID-19

Abstract

Aim: to determine the level of physical fitness and the body mass index of older people aged 60 to 80 years. Material and methods. This study used a descriptive method with survey and field measurement techniques. The participants in this study were 123 elderly people who collected fitness data using the Rockport test over a distance of 1600 meters, measured their heart rate before and after the test. Body mass index according to Quetelet was determined on the basis of measurements of body length and weight. The metabolic state of the elderly was distributed according to the Quetelet index: from underweight and normal weight to overweight and obesity. The study was conducted at the heart health club in Surakarta. Results. It is shown that the level of physical fitness of the elderly according to the Rock Port test in 103 people was sufficient: the average travel time was 23.22 minutes; the level of physical fitness of 20 participants was not sufficient: the average travel time was 34.10 minutes. The results of determining the Body Mass Index (BMI): (1) at the age of 60-69 years, 94 people were tested, of which: 7 people were underweight, 30 were normal, 53 were overweight, 4 were obese; (2) 70-74 years: 16 people, including: 3 people in the thin category, 8 people - with normal weight, 2 people with overweight, 1 person - approaching obesity, 2 people - obese, (3) ; at the age of 75-80, 13 people were tested: 1 person in the lean category, 8 people with normal weight, 1 person - overweight, 3 people approaching obesity, 0 - obese people. Conclusions. The informational content of the Rockport test for determining the level of physical fitness of elderly people aged 60 to 80 years is shown. This test is effective and available for independent use by elderly people to determine the level of their physical fitness, not only for people under 69, but also for older people.