Społeczne i zdrowotne determinanty aktywności fizycznej kobiet po 50. roku życia

Physical activity is undertaken by women from the highest social and occupational categories, well-educated, with active professional careers, having a good financial situation and a favorable family and home situation. Physical activity of women over 50 years of age may be affected by their appreciation of its role in shaping health. The aim of the study was to define social and health-related determinants of physical activity in women aged 50+. The study included 91 women, aged from 50 to 83, attending classes at the University of the Third Age in Gorzow Wielkopolski and its vicinity. The subjects were divided into three groups: 50–59 years old, 60–69 years old and 70 and older. All women attended classes 1–2 times a week. The diagnostic survey method was employed, with the use of the techniques of questionnaire, interview and participatory observation. For statistical analysis of the data collected the trait frequency and the independence χ2 test were used. The research revealed that physical activity is undertaken by well-educated individuals, belonging to the upperoccupational categories, receiving support from the closest friends and acquaintances as well as the spouse. Those who undertake physical activity have a higher self-evaluation of health and physical fitness as compared to their peers. Differences in health self-evaluation are greatest among women over 70 years of age, who more often, compared with the respondents aged 50–59 and 60–69, assessed it as better. Participation in exercises of women aged 50+ was dominated by motives related to fitness and health (possibility to maintain and improve their physical fitness and health, and improve their mental and physical well-being).