Physical activity of urban and rural residents over 65 years of age

Abstract

Introduction. Physical activity has a significant impact on increasing independence and self-reliance, and thus improves the quality of life of the elderly. The aim of this study was to compare the physical activity of urban and rural residents over 65 years of age. Material and metods. The study covered 135 people living in the urban environment (81 women; 54 men) and 19 rural residents (63 women and 56 men) in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Age of the subjects ranged from 65 to 74 years. Research tools constituted the IPAQ. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the results. Results. Physical activity related to cycling (p < 0.001), vigorous physical activities in the garden or yard (p = 0.031), recreation in leisure-time, consisting of walking and moderate activity (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly lower in people from the urban environment. Conclusions. There is a need for promote physical activity and take care of seniors, especially from the urban environment, as well as to create educational programs regarding the possibilities and ways of undertaking physical activity in order to maintain the process of successful aging at an optimal level.