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Gender Specific Trends in Fitness and Anthropometric Parameters in a Selected Saskatchewan Sample, Aged 65–75 Years*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Robert G. McCulloch
Affiliation:
University of Regina
Donald J. Clark
Affiliation:
University of Regina
Ian Pike
Affiliation:
University of Regina
Yvonne M. Slobodian
Affiliation:
University of Regina

Abstract

This investigation measured the physical fitness and anthropometrie parameters of a sample of 100 Saskatchewan women and men, aged 65 to 75 years. Subjects were grouped by age (65–69 years and 70–75 years) and these data were compared to the results from the Canada Fitness Survey (CFS) for women and men aged 65 to 69 years. In general, the Saskatchewan women in this study demonstrated an age-associated decline in the fitness and anthropometric variables measured. The Saskatchewan men, aged 65–69 years were significantly poorer in four variables (weight, sum of trunk skinfolds, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Maximal Oxygen Uptake (V02 MAX)) compared to the age-matched men tested in the CFS. However, the Saskatchewan men, aged 70–75 were not significantly different from the younger CFS subjects for these variables. Within limitations of the cross-sectional design, the results of this study indicate that Saskatchewan men in their early retirement years may require particular attention and further study with respect to their physical activity behaviour and fitness.

Résumé

Cette enquête a permis d'évaluer la condition physique et les paramètres anthropométriques de 100 hommes et femmes de la Saskatchewan, âgés de 65 à 75 ans. Les participants étaient répartis en deux groupes d'âge (65–69 ans et 70–75 ans), et ces données ont été comparées aux résultats de l'Enquête canadienne sur l'activité physique (E.C.A.P.) dans le cas de femmes et d'hommes âgés de 65 à 69 ans. En général, les résultats ont démontré un dépérissement associé à l'âge au niveau de l'activité physique et des paramètres anthropométriques chez les femmes. Les résultats chez les hommes de 65 à 69 ans étaient de beaucoup inférieurs selon quatre variables (poids, somme des plis cutanés du tronc, rythme cardiaque et VO2 MAX) comparativement aux hommes du même âge ayant pris part à l'E.C.A.P. Toutefois, les résultats chez les hommes de la Saskatchewan âgés de 70 à 75 ans n'étaient guère différents de ceux chez les hommes plus jeunes ayant participé à l'E.C.A.P. en ce qui a trait à ces variables. En tenant compte des limites du modèle d'échantillonnage choisi, les résultats de cette enquête révèlent que les hommes de la Saskatchewan, à l'âge de la retraite anticipée, peuvent avoir besoin d'une attention particulière et faire l'objet d'un examen plus détaillé en ce qui touche leurs habitudes en matière d'activité physique et de leur condition physique.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1994

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