The Sportsmedical Investigations on Health of the Aged* A Survey on Health Status and Physical Exercise of the Middle and the Elderly who had a Long History of Sports Activity
【Supercategory：7. DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Subcategory：7.6 Vol.6】
A mail questionnaire on health and sports activity was sent to male alumni, whose present ages were thought to be 50 through 79 according to the year of graduation from a university for physical education (N). 300 subjects for each 5-year age subgroup were randomly chosen. Data from 1121 respondents (response rate 62%) to the first mailing were compared with the results from the basic health and hygiene survey carried out on a national random sample by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1979, 1980 and 1982.
The alumna respondents had larger height and weight and their rate of decrease with age much smaller than the national sample. A large majority had no or a few subjective symptoms in contrast to the national sample with a higher frequency of multiple symptoms. Subjective assessment of health was much higher in the alumni. e.g., "very healthy" accounted for 36% vs. 12%. The gap enlarged with age, i.e., the subjective health was maintained till older ages in the alumni.
Prevalence of past cardiovascular diseases was higher (39% vs. 31%). Reported history of hypertension (35% vs. 26%) and stroke (3.7% vs. 2.4%) was more frequent. More frequent opportunities for health check may account for higher frequencies of cardiovascular diseases. Other plausible explanations are their larger body build and a higher frequency of alcohol intake, leading to hypertension.
More than half (55%) engaged in hard physical activities (24% in the general population). The frequency of drinkers was higher and that of smokers lower. particularly contrasting was the frequency of ex-smokers (36% vs. 17%). many alumni paid attention on diet and other health measures, too.
The initial respondents may represent more health conscious part of the population, however, the overall picture suggests that not only their constitutional fitness but their healthy lifestyles appeared to be contributing to maintain the level of physical conditions till old age. i.e., delaying progression of aging process.
DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.6/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE
The alumna respondents had larger height and weight and their rate of decrease with age much smaller than the national sample. A large majority had no or a few subjective symptoms in contrast to the national sample with a higher frequency of multiple symptoms. Subjective assessment of health was much higher in the alumni. e.g., "very healthy" accounted for 36% vs. 12%. The gap enlarged with age, i.e., the subjective health was maintained till older ages in the alumni.
Prevalence of past cardiovascular diseases was higher (39% vs. 31%). Reported history of hypertension (35% vs. 26%) and stroke (3.7% vs. 2.4%) was more frequent. More frequent opportunities for health check may account for higher frequencies of cardiovascular diseases. Other plausible explanations are their larger body build and a higher frequency of alcohol intake, leading to hypertension.
More than half (55%) engaged in hard physical activities (24% in the general population). The frequency of drinkers was higher and that of smokers lower. particularly contrasting was the frequency of ex-smokers (36% vs. 17%). many alumni paid attention on diet and other health measures, too.
The initial respondents may represent more health conscious part of the population, however, the overall picture suggests that not only their constitutional fitness but their healthy lifestyles appeared to be contributing to maintain the level of physical conditions till old age. i.e., delaying progression of aging process.
DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.6/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE
| Researcher | Shuich Hatano*1, Kazuko Takeuchi*1, Keiko Shichita*2, Yoshio Kuroda*3, Kiyoshi Takashima*4 |
|---|---|
| University or institution | *1 Institute of Public Health, *2 Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, *3 University of Tokyo, The College of Arts and Science, *4 Kyorin University, Faculty of Medicine |
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