Physique properties of 520 aged people in Jiangsu Province of China / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:It is important for the aged population to improve the locomotor activity, maintain a high-level quality of life, and delay the loss of self-care ability. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the physique properties and influencing factors of the aged population in some areas of Jiangsu province, and to investigate the rule of physiological aging process. METHODS:In nine test sites of three cities (Nanjing, Yanhceng and Changzhou) of Jiangsu Province, 520 effective samples were col ected and composed of 42.9%males and 57.1%females. We tested the reliability and validity of inspected questionnaire on the aged physique and sports, and then adopted the questionnaire to get general demographic information about their gender, age, education, used occupation, income and physical exercise. At the same time, physical tests were performed (including nine projects such as body shape, physical function, body quality). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: ① More than half of the surveyed aged have reached overweight level according to their body mass index, while only a few have normal body mass index, especial y the females. ② Most of the surveyed aged have abnormal blood pressure, and a large number of the aged are in moderate to severe hypertension. ③ There is a gradual y reduction in upper and lower limbs muscle strength, balance ability and walking ability along the aging, a substantial drop is found after 75 years old. There is no obvious difference between male group and female group expect grip strength. ④ Physical exercise can delay the degenerative change in muscle strength and balance ability of the aged. Education has great influence on the physical quality and used occupation influences blood pressure. Having a retired wage also has significant effects on physical quality index and blood pressure, but no influence is found in body shape.