GENDER RELATED DIFFERENCES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS

The present study of gender related differences of older adults' physical activity (PA) and self-related health using GPAQ in some parts confirm consistency with previous research in Slovenian older population. A selective sample of healthy older adults showed that all exceed the HEPA active level of PA (>3000 mean MET total), which is opposite to the rate of inactive population of the elderly in Slovenia. The fact that women's physical activity originates mostly from PA at domestic work and walking for the purpose of travel has to be considered more carefully. According to the WHO recommendation domestic work should not present the major part of total activity, but it should include vigorous and moderate PA in leisure time and recreation. In relation to self-rated health as an established indicator of general health status of a population and life satisfaction, data showed us that in the 60-70 years group there is a positive correlation between women's self-assessment of physical exercise capacity and total quantity of PA (MET total (r = 0.249, p < 0.001, N = 200) and self-health care and MET total (r = 0.175, p = 0.012, N = 205). Meanwhile there was also a positive correlation in men between the assessed self-general health status and MET total (r = 0.250, p = 0.010, N = 105) as well as physical exercise capacity and MET total. An active lifestyle (HEPA active) in old age generates better self-esteem regarding physical exercise capacity, general health status and self-health care, and this results on a multidimensional level of its benefits.