Physical fitness assessment of older adults in the primary care setting.

Purpose: To explore the relationships between the physical fitness and the demographic characteristics, general health and well-being, social support, and physical activity in a group of community-dwelling older adults. This study also assessed the feasibility of obtaining physical fitness measures in the primary care setting.

Data sources: Thirty-four persons older than 60 years completed self-report measures and the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), a battery of fitness measures normed for older adults. Self-report measures included demographics, general health and well-being (SF-36), social support (Social Support for Physical Activity Scale), and physical activity levels (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly).

Conclusions: Physically active older adults had significantly better upper and lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and dynamic balance. Older adults who reported better general health and had fewer chronic conditions scored better on the physical fitness tests. The SFT took 10-15 min to complete in the primary care setting.

Implications for practice: Physical fitness measures give primary care providers objective information to develop a physical activity program for their patients. A physical activity program that includes recommendations for aerobic endurance, strength, flexibility, and/or balance that is based on objective findings may be a useful tool to promote better health and physical fitness in older adults.