[Physical activity and nutritional and psychosocial status in non-dependent elderly]

To describe the level of physical activity (PA) of a sample of independent non-institutionalised elderly and its relationship between nutritional status and psychosocial conditions of the elderly.

A multicentre cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in Health Centres of the city of Huesca in a sample size of patients over 75 years-old. Demographic, psychosocial, nutritional, anthropometric, and PA variables were analysed. The short scale of Minnesota in Spanish (VREM) was used to measure the latter.

The mean age was 81.58 years (±4) with a gender distribution of 51.7% women. The group were in a good health condition overall: Mild physical impairment (45%), correct mental health as regards cognition (93%) or mood (88%), favourable social status (96%), independence for activities of daily living (100%), and a good perceived quality of life (score>70 in 70%). There was a mean of 4666.2 METS-Min/14 days obtained in PA, and 10% of the participants were identified as sedentary. A statistically significant inverse relationship (P<.05) was observed between PA and functional disability, sarcopenia and body composition (waist circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter, mass index, and body fat percentage). No significant relationship was observed between PA and nutritional status and psychosocial conditions. The relationship between the nutritional status and the variables of the psychosocial sphere was significant (P<.01).

The characteristics of the population studied in the organic, functional, psychical, and social spheres do not suggest important limitations for PA. An insignificant percentage of the elderly does not perform enough PA. There is a significant relationship between physical exercise and favourable body composition rates.