A comparative study of the functional fitness and perception of quality of life among elderly participants and non-participants of Universities of third age

Abstract

Abstract - Objectives: To analyze the contributions of Universities of third age (U3A) through their proposed activities and effects in functional fitness and quality of life of elderly participants and non-participants. Methods: The sample was composed of two groups: elderly participants in U3A (EPG; n=25) and elderly non-participants (ENPG; n=25). Data collection was obtained through questionnaires: one about sociodemografic characteristics and U3A attendance (General questionnaire) and another about quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF Portuguese version). Also, were applied two test of the Fullerton Tests battery (30-second chair stand and 8-food up and go). Results: The results show statistically significant differences in attendance between women (76%) and men (24%). There is a predominance of married (68%) that attend the U3A. The educational level indicates that the EPG present more years of education (28%) and more people with higher education (24%). The main reason why the ENPG didn’t attend U3A was lack of time (44%). For lower body strength, the results showed differences between EPG and ENPG (p=0.022), in favor of EPG. No differences were observed between groups for agility/dynamic balance (p=0.977). In quality of life were observed differences between groups in the physical domain (p=0.026), with the EPG presenting higher scores that ENPG. For all the other domains, no differences were observed (all p>0.050). Conclusions: This study showed a prevalence of attendance of women to U3A and that the enrolled elderlies have more previous years of schooling. The elderly participants in U3A showed better physical domain than non-participants. However, in other domains were not found differences between participants and non-participants. For future studies, it is proposed that the sample should encompass groups with higher age range that may produce results with new interpretations.