Physical activity, weight and functional limitations in elderly Spanish people: the National Health Survey (2009-2014).

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to analyze physical activity (PA), functional limitations, weight status, self-perceived health status and disease or chronic health problems in older people aged 65 and over using the European Health Survey in Spain (EHSS) conducted one in 2009 and one in 2014.

METHODS

This study included 12,546 older people, 6026 [2330 men and 3696 women; age (Mean, SD) =75.61 ± 7.11 years old] in 2009 and 6520 [2624 men and 3896 women; age (Mean, SD) =75.90 ± 7.59 years old] in 2014. The sample was divided into three age groups: 65-74 years old, 75-84 years old and ≥85 years old.

RESULTS

In 2014, participants exhibited lower values for moderate PA, and self-perceived health status compared to 2009. Moreover, in 2014 more people with disease or chronic health problems, and severe difficulty walking 500 m without assistance were found and severe difficulty going up and down 12 stairs than people in 2009. In relation to weight status there were no significant differences between older people in 2009 and 2014.

CONCLUSIONS

From 2009 to 2014, the PA levels of Spanish older people have decreased, while the BMI has not increased. That fact is in consonance with a worst perception of health status in 2014 and with an increase of their disease levels. The current data highlight the importance of incorporating exercise programmes at an early stage of ageing in order to preserve physical performance, and to prevent the negative consequences of ageing.