ADULTS’ HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLE – A COMPERATIVE PRE-STUDY OF YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS’ LIFESTYLE AND REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

A lot of studies prove that regular physical activity is among the most impor-
tant self-care behaviors that contribute for a healthy active living and for a qual-
ity of life.
The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore what per cent of
younger adults (30-40 years old, N=32) and older adults (over 60 years old,
mean age=61,45, N=28) do regular physical activity, what the most important
influencing factors of people’s participation in regular physical activity are,
whether they live a healthy life or not and what healthy lifestyle is in their inter-
pretation.
71,9% of younger, and only 28% of older adults do physical activity on a
regular basis. Higher level education and higher income have positive influence
on healthy active living. Sex and marital status did not have influence on life-
style decisions. Nearly all those physically active mentioned that PE teachers or
sport coaches had a significant role in forming a positive attitude towards PA
and engagement in regular PA.
Regular physical activity is considered a part of healthy lifestyle by 83% of
younger adults. This number is much lower by older adults.
Younger adults seem to have a much more positive attitude towards regular
PA than the old.
The next phase of our work is going to be a lifestyle intervention program for
the old to emphasize the “life-saver”role of PA.