The Comparison between Body Composition, Cardio-Respiratory Fitness, Balance, and Mental Health in Active and Inactive Elderly Women

According to national and international figures the population of old people is increasing special in big cities. So, it is important to recognize the best ways for keeping and strengthening physical and mental health of these people. This study aimed to compare body composition, cardiac respiratory endurance, mental health, and balance of active and inactive aged women.
Statistical population of this causal-comparative research consists of elderly women aged over 60 years in Tehran city. 50 active women (mean age 63±3.11 yrs., weight 69.39±8.56 kg, and height 157±4.84 cm) and 50 inactive women (mean age 62.18±2.87 yrs., weight 73.77±16.60 kg, height 158.09±4.40cm) voluntarily participated in this study through releasing participation statement in neighbourhood's hall. Body composition (body composition apparatus), cardiorespiratory endurance (fitness test), balance (dynamic balance measurement apparatus) and mental health (GHQ questionnaire) were measured for both groups. Descriptive statistics and T test were used for data analysis.
Analyzing study findings showed that score of balance (p=0.001), cardio respiratory endurance (p=0.01) and mental health (p=0.001) of active elderly women were significantly bether than the inactive aged women.
Regarding the prevalent low physical activity and presence of various diseases in old people, it is necessity to have plans for building sport facilities and encouraging old people to focus on their participation in physical activities in order to improve their quality of life.