Physically fit and active elderly people have a higher quality of life

The relationship between habitual physical activity, self-rated physical fitness and maximal walking speed and the health-related quality of life according to the Nottingham Health profile (NHP) was studied in 233 men and 292 women 76 years of age. Subjects with higher physical activity reported fewer problems with energy, pain, emotions and physical mobility, and in men also less social isolation. Correlations between physical activity, fitness and walking speed and the NHP dimensions were usually stronger in men than in women. The reciprocal dependence between quality of life and a maintained level of physical activity and fitness may, thus, be especially evident in men.