Investigation of Physical Fitness among Older Adults in Mueang District Area, Nakhon Sawan Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the physical fitness of older adult in mueang district, Nakhon Sawan province by survey research and compared the norm. Subjects were the older adult at the age over 60 years old and live in mueang district, Nakhon Sawan province. Variables studied were physical fitness. The research instrument was physical fitness tests of Department of physical educaation (2013). Data was analyzed by mean, standard deviation.     

            The findings showed that the older adult both gender had mean physical fitness such as 1) Body composition (skinfold thickness) at level normal 2) arm strength and endurance (arm curl 30 seconds) at level good to excellent 3) legs strength and endurance (30 seconds chair stand) showed at low to lowest 4) agility and balance (agility course) at level excellent 5) shoulder flexibility (back scratch) at level low to good 6) cardiorespiratory endurance (2 minutes step test) in 60 – 69 years old at level low to lowest and 70 – 84 years old at level normal to good

            In conclusion, the older adult both gender had mean of arm strength and endurance (arm curl 30 seconds) showed at level good to excellent but mean of legs strength and endurance (30 seconds chair stand) showed at low to lowest, probably because the older adult have been arm movement usually but legs have intensity of exercise not enough.