Relationship between life style and the performance of daily activities in elderly

ABSTRACT

Normal age related changes result in some decline with functions for elderly persons.The rate and degree of these changes are influenced by many factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between life style and the ability for performing the daily life activities. The study focused upon determinants as muscle strength, joint range of motion, ability for performing activities of daily living [ADL] and instrumental daily activities [IADL] as ways for evaluation. Eighty elderly subjects [40 males and 40 females], their age ranged between 65 and 75 years, all of them were in a good health condition. Subjects were divided into two equal groups. Group A, contains 40 subjects who's doing various aerobic and walking exercises. Group B, contains 40 subjects who's living a sedentary life without any special activities. Measurements the range of motion for the upper and lower extremities, muscle strength for selected muscle group in upper and lower extremities were evaluated. In addition two self-report scales were used to determine the ability for performing the activities of daily living. Significant values were measured for the experimental group regarding the ability for performing most of the activities, while the control group showed reduction in scores of performance. This study found that active life style is essential for keeping healthy life of the elderly