Physical activity and fitness components in elderly

Demographics in the world and in Serbia indicated an increase in the number of the elderly in the overall population. The connection between physical activity, quality of life and fitness skills are the subject matter of this scientific research project. Based on a sample of around 1000 people, aged 60-80, of both sexes, we will determine their anthropological measurements, body composition, functional and fitness abilities, physical activity levels, health, health risks and quality of life. Questionnaires will determine the participants’ opinions regarding everyday physical activity, health risk exposure, lifestyle and possible health problems. Relations between physical activity, fitness components, and the discriminant value of certain subject groups based on age, sex, education and physical activity level, will be determined by the significance of the canonical, regression and discriminant coefficients. We expect the results to confirm the hypotheses on the significance of these characteristics and abilities for physical ability levels, health and quality of life of the elderly. Physically active individuals should have better results in physical ability tests, body composition, quality of life and fewer health risks. The conclusions regarding health risks and physical inactivity will represent a basis for the planning and execution of short-term and long-term measures for the improvement of health and the quality of life of the elderly.