Evaluation of physical capability among the elderly

Czech version

Authors: Mgr. Kateřina Macháčová, Ph.D.
Authors‘ workplace: CELLO FHS UK, Praha
Published in: Geriatrie a Gerontologie 2013, 2, č. 3: 131-133
Category: Review Article

Overview

Certain level of physical capability is essential for independently performing all activities of daily living. The physical capability is determined by the level of individual components of physical fitness (muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, stability). All those components are affected by the aging processes. However, we can positively influence them (to slow down or postpone the onset of the processes), even late in life. Therefore it is in the interest of every individual as well as the whole society to take advantage of all possible preventive measures that will help older adults to live out the late stages of their lives in an active and happy manner. The most effective and at the same time inexpensive way is to include regular physical activity in a person’s everyday life. But any effective physical activity program must respect actual needs and capabilities of every individual. As a result the use of instruments developed to measure the level of physical capability is critical. The aim of this paper is to summarise and briefly describe various approaches to measuring physical capability among the elderly and to introduce standardized tools commonly used abroad (and some of them in Czech Republic as well).

Key words:
active ageing – physical capability – physical fitness – measurement

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