The Seasonal Variations of Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity in Turkish Older Adults

Year 2020, Volume: 10 Issue: 4, 327 - 331, 30.12.2020

Nesli Ersoy , İlker Taşçı Hüseyin Doruk Neslişah Rakıcıoğlu

https://doi.org/10.33808/clinexphealthsci.519430

Abstract

Objective: Regular physical activities contributes to better health outcomes in all
stages of life. Older adults may have altered levels of exercise at different
times of the year.

Methods: Community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years of age) in Ankara, is the
capital city of Turkey, were recruited prospectively. Physical activity status
and the resting metabolic rate were assessed every three months (May, August,
November, and February).

Results: Overall, 31 individuals were analyzed (mean age; women: 73.9±7.0 years,
men: 75.5±5.7 years; women: 65.0%). The level of physical activity was highest
in autumn (44.0±41.0 min) and summer (41.0±48.0 min) but lowest in winter
(24.0±19.0 min) (p<0.05). The ratio of performing regular daily exercise was
highest in summer (25.8%), which decreased significantly in winter (9.7%). No
statistically significant changes were noted in the total daily energy
expenditure and resting metabolic energy expenditure across four seasons.

Conclusion: Although some increases were observed in
autumn and summer, the level of physical activity in older adults was low in
all seasons. However, daily energy expenditure remained constant. The study
suggests that there is a need for improvement in lifestyle behaviors of Turkish
older adults to increase health-related quality of life and also to prevent
adverse outcomes.

Keywords

Seasonal changes, physical activity, Older adults, Resting metabolic energy expenditure

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