Differences in body composition and physical fitness in elderly men and women
The aim of this study was to determine differences in body composition and physical fitness in elderly men and women. Five hundred twenty six subjects were included in this study, 272 were men (52%) and 254 women (48%). To determine the trend of changes of anthropometric parameters and physical fitness in people aged over 60, we were divided subjects in 5 age groups: 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and over 80 years of age. Decrease in strength is observed with the aging process so that the respondents aged 60-64 years significantly differ in the strength of the lower extremities of elderly subjects 70-74 and 75-79 years of age. Also this difference is noticeable if we compare men and women. In this study, we found that there was an increase in the amount of adipose tissue, reducing the level of muscle activity and decreased muscle strength and endurance of the aging process.