Körperliche Aktivität in Gruppen: Bedeutung für die subjektive Gesundheit älterer Menschen

Abstract

Physical activity in groups: Meaning for subjective health in the elderly. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the influence of physical activity on subjective health among older people. The question is, if changes in self-rated health were reported after the participation in a physical activity programme. Presented are selected results of a study of 102 participants (> 55 years) in physical activity programmes. Subjective health was assessed by a self-completion questionnaire at baseline and after the programmes. Involvement in groups tended to improve the average score for about six percent. Two thirds of the subjects increased their self-rated health. The data indicated that physical activity in groups improves physical, functional, psychological and social resources. Positive effects were stated for participants till 75 years. But the scores even decreased in the oldest group. In Individuals with higher numbers of diseases the perception of health enhanced in particular. They reported an increased score of 15 percent after the programmes. Participants with higher physical activity levels didn´t increase their scores the same way inactive people did. Former inactive participants achieved the double share in improved scores. A logistic regression showed a significant relationship between former physical inactivity and improvement of subjective health. All other independent variables (except distress scores) only showed weak or even no effects. It is proved that plasticity of subjective health exists. Low levels of former physical activity are related to better chances of increasing the subjective health status. Therefore the access of inactive old people should be supported. Furthermore the focus of interventions should move from physical goals to psychosocial resources of individuals. In future more research is needed in the field of physical activity and positive health among older people.