What characterizes physically active elderly and their exercise habits?

Purpose: Investigate characteristics of elderly persons who have exercised regularly over time. Are there differences between persons working out with a physiotherapist and those with subscription at a fitness center? Design: Cross-sectional study. Material: 105 persons over 70 years who have exercised regularly for at least 1 year. The median age (range) was 74 (70-90) years. Method: Questionnaires and physical tests (strength, endurance, balance, mobility). Results: Median (range) number of years with exercise was 20 (1-70) years. 64% reported musculoskeletal disorders and 46% were women. Reported duration, intensity and frequency of training was largely in accordance with recommendations from health authorities. Most participants did endurance- and strength exercises, but only about 50% did balance-exercises. A larger proportion of the group exercising with the physiotherapists reported medical reasons as motivation for exercise. No between group differences were found on physical tests. Conclusion: The results showed that the participants reported training in accordance with the Norwegian Health authorities’ recommendations. No differences were found in elderly training with physiotherapists and those attending a fitness center, except for the motivation for training. Balance and mobility exercises have less focus and should be encouraged to a greater extent also in active elderly.