Study on the relationship between physical exercise and physical health of the elderly in some areas of Tibet / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To examine the physical health status and factors affecting individuals aged 60-69 years in certain regions of Tibet.Methods:The study analyzed data collected from 824 individuals aged 60-69 from the Xizang national physique monitoring.Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to identify factors that affect the physical health of this age group.Results:The study evaluated the physical fitness of elderly individuals aged 60 to 69 years old in three regions of Tibet.The results indicated that only 11 cases(1.3%)of participants had excellent physical fitness, while 47 cases(5.7%) had good physical fitness, 394 cases(47.8%)were qualified, and 372 cases(45.1%)were unqualified.The study also found significant differences in physical fitness based on age( χ2=8.367, P=0.039), sex( χ2=22.168, P<0.001), urban/rural location( χ2=12.282, P=0.006), region( χ2=60.358, P<0.001), and body mass index(BMI)( χ2=105.134, P<0.001). Specifically, individuals aged 60-64 years old had a higher proportion of qualified physique than those aged 65-69 years old.Women had better physical fitness than men, and individuals living in urban areas had better physical fitness than those in rural areas.Moreover, participants from Lhasa and Nagqu regions had better physical fitness than those from Nyingchi.Obese elderly individuals had worse physical fitness than those with normal weight(all P<0.05 for all). The study found that female gender( OR=1.765, 95% CI: 1.284-2.425), being a Lhasa( OR=2.799, 95% CI: 1.677-4.672)or Naqu resident( OR=2.730, 95% CI: 1.677-4.445), and engaging in regular exercise( OR=1.845, 95% CI: 1.078-3.160)were protective factors for physical health among individuals aged 60-69 years old.However, not working( OR=0.503, 95% CI: 0.289~0.876)and obesity( OR=0.108, 95% CI: 0.066-0.177)were identified as risk factors for physical health in this age group.Additionally, the analysis revealed significant differences in fitness ratios based on exercise frequency( χ2=18.760, P<0.001)and exercise time( χ2=15.485, P<0.001). Specifically, the fitness ratio of individuals who exercised 1-2 times and 3-4 times a week was significantly higher than that of non-exercisers.The fitness ratio of elderly individuals who exercised for 30 to 60 minutes per session was significantly higher than those who exercised for less than 30 minutes.Furthermore, those who exercised 3-4 times per week had a fitness ratio 2.58 times higher than those who did not exercise at all( P<0.05). Conclusions:This study conducted in Nyingchi, Lhasa, and Nagqu of Tibet found that 45.1% of individuals aged 60-69 years had an unqualified physique.There was a negative correlation between non-employment and BMI≥28 kg/m 2 with physical health, whereas female gender, residing in Lhasa or Nagqu, and engaging in regular physical exercise showed a positive correlation.The study suggests that physical exercise for 30-60 minutes, 3-4 times a week, can significantly improve the proportion of qualified physical fitness among the elderly.