CHANGES IN PHYSICAL FITNESS OF MEN OLDER THAN 60 - A PILOT STUDY

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in physical fitness in men older than 60. Two hundred and seventy-two subjects were included in this study. All subjects were divided into five age categories, as follows: 90 subjects aged 60-64 (33%), 70 subjects aged 65 69 (26%), 50 subjects aged 70 74 (18%) 41 subjects aged 75 79 (15%) and 21subjects over the age of 80 (8%). All subjects performed a battery of tests called the senior fitness test. The test consists of six measures of physical fitness: 1) Back scratch, 2) Chair sit and reach, 3) 8 foot up and go, 4) 30 sec stand from the chair, 5) Arm curl, 6) 2-minutes step test. Results of body mass index showed that all subjects were overweight regardless of age category. There is no statistically significant difference (p > .05) in flexibility between subjects of different age groups after the age of 60. The greatest differences were found in lower and upper extremities strength. The subjects aged 60 64 significantly differ in the strength of the lower extremities (p < .05) compared to subjects aged 70 74 and 75 79 years of age. The greatest heterogeneity was found in the parameters of aerobic endurance, with values progressively decreasing from the age of 60 (78.60 ± 42.00) to 80 (73.68 ± 35.62). It could be concluded that there was increase of fat tissue, with reduced level of muscle activity. In addition, it could be stated that aging process decrease muscle strength and endurance in elderly people.