INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AMONG OLDER ADULTH MUEANG LOEI DISTRICT AREA, LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research was a survey study aimed to investigate the physical fitness and compare it with the standard criteria of elderly population living in Mueang District, Loei Province, Thailand. The sample group consisted of 405 elderly people aged 60-79 years old. The research instruments used were physical fitness tests assessing body composition, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular and circulatory endurance. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. The results revealed that, in terms of body composition, elderly male had a mean BMI of 27.58 kg./m², classified as  1^st level of obesity, while elderly female had a mean BMI of 24.77 kg./m², classified as overweight. Regarding cardiovascular and circulatory endurance, the elderly exhibited moderate levels. In terms of muscle strength, they demonstrated in low levels, while in muscle endurance, they showed moderate levels. Furthermore, their lower body flexibility was also in the moderate range. Therefore, promoting healthy behaviors through organized activities aimed at providing knowledge about proper and regular exercise can help improve the physical fitness of the elderly.