Maria Michalopoulou, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Vassiliki Zisi, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Stavroula Stani, Christina Kiriazi and Efthimis Kioumourtzoglou, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) levels of community-dwelling adults aged 60 and over were
assessed in Greece, in order to determine age and gender effects. PA was assessed using the PA
Scale for the Elderly in 591 persons (287 males and 304 females), (Ì=74.04, SD=5.46).
Participants were assigned into two age groups: A=65-75 and B=76-86 years. According to two
way ANOVA, no significant differences were reported in total PA between men and women
(p>.05) even though a significant age effect was reported with participants in Group A having
higher scores than participants in Group B (p<.001). Men reported greater participation in
recreational activities of moderate intensity (p<.001) and in exercises for muscular strength and
endurance (p<.05). Women were more active in PA related to household (p<.001). Age effects
resulted in favor of older adults in Group A 61-70 years when compared to older adults in Group B
for walking, for recreational activities and for housework (p<.001). In conclusion, both gender
and age affect PA participation of older adults in Greece.
Keywords: elderly, older adults, PASE, PA levels, age and gender effects
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