El comportamiento adaptativo se relaciona con la adiposidad corporal y la aptitud funcional en mujeres de la tercera edad

Older people present limited independent functioning and greater difficulties in their activities of daily living as they age. Aim: To determine whether indicators of body adiposity and functional fitness are related to adaptive behavior in Chilean elderly women. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 162 elderly adult women. Body adiposity (BA) was determined by body mass index (BMI) and fat mass (FM). Functional fitness (FA) was assessed by means of four physical tests: Arm flexibility, 30-second right arm strength endurance (RFBD), 30-second chair stand (up-and-go) test and the agility test (2.44 m). Adaptive behavior (AC) was assessed using a scale called AC Self-Perception of AC for Women (ACAM). Results: There were negative correlations between AC with chronological age, BMI, MG, and Agility (~ r= -0.27 to -0.45, p<0.05), while the relationship was positive with leg strength, flexibility, and RFBD (~ r= 0.17 to 0.26, p<0.05). Comparisons of CA and PA between CA categories were small and medium. The effect size between women categorized as low and high CA was medium (~ 0.31 to -0.46). However, among women categorized with medium and high CA level it was small (~ 0.07 to -0.30). Conclusion: The study found that, in women aged 65-84 years, AC tends to decrease with age, while body adiposity increases and functional fitness decreases. It is recommended to implement strategies that address these negative effects of aging, such as prevention and management of body adiposity, functional exercise programs, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.