Abstract

The purpose of this study was to Investigate the relationship between the level of physical activity and life satisfaction and general health in the elderly.

The null hypothesis stated there would be no relationship between levels of physical activity and life satisfaction, common ailments, and health perception in the elderly (alpha = 0.05). The study was a correlational survey using a convenience sample from four groups of elderly subjects.

Ordinal data was obtained through a health questionnaire administered to sixty subjects who met the criteria. Statistical analysis using chi-square found no relationship between the physical activity level and life satisfaction (X2 = 0.47), common ailments (x2 = 2.25), and health perception (X2 = 1.12). Statistical analysis using Spearman rank correlation found no relationship between the physical activity level and common ailments (r = 0.128), and health perception (r = 0.001). There was significant relationship using Spearman rank correlation between physical activity level and life satisfaction (r = 0.290).

The null hypothesis was divided into parts 1 and 2. Null hypothesis 1 stating that there is no relationship between levels of physical activity and life satisfaction as measured by the health questionnaire (alpha =0.05) was rejected. Null hypothesis 2 stating that there is no relationship between levels of physical activity and common ailments and health perception as measured by the health questionnaire (alpha =0.05) was accepted.

It is recommended that further research be conducted which would identify the specific physical activity level needed to achieve a maintenance level and optimum functioning of both the physiological and psychological well being of the elderly.

LLU Discipline

Nursing

Department

Nursing

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Frances L. Fickess

Second Advisor

Grenith J. Zimmerman

Third Advisor

Mildred Akamine

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1984

Date (Title Page)

8-1984

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Aged; Physical Fitness

Type

Thesis

Page Count

2 vii; 79

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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