ELDERLY GYMNASTICS IMPROVING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE ELDERLY PEOPLES

Abstract

Background: The aging process occurs naturally characterized by decreased bodily functions including physical activity. Physical activity is a body movement produced by skeletal muscles and requires energy, The increasing number of elderly population in the world indicates that every individual must be able to prepare. The aging process includes the ability of physical activity.  Physical activity is beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and maintaining mental health. One of the efforts that can be made to increase the physical activity of the elderly is elderly gymnastics. Objective: The purpose of the study was to analyze the effect of elderly gymnastics on the physical activity of the elderly. Method: A quasi-experiment style pre- and post-test with a control group was employed in the research design. In 2022, the study was carried out in the Kudus Regency's UPTD work area at the Kaliwungu Community Health Center. Purposive sampling was used to choose a sample of 27 senior participants for each intervention and control group. Older adults (60–85 years old) who see a decrease in functional physical activity meet the inclusion criteria. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was the research tool utilized. For two weeks, seniors will get 30 to 40 minutes of exercise three times a week. The Wilcoxon test was employed for data analysis. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in physical activity before and after elderly gymnastics. Conclusion: Elderly gymnastics is one form of intervention that can increase the physical activity of the elderly.  This activity can be carried out   routinely by the elderly integrated with the activities of the elderly posyandu in the village carried out by the primary health services as a form of   activity that supports public health efforts.

Keyword: Elderly, Elderly Exercise, Physical Activity