Schooling does not influences physical activity level in older people

Abstract

Basic functionality and physical activity level are commonly impaired by aging, and can be influenced by depressive symptoms, global cognitive state and schooling. Purpose: to analyze relationship between schooling and basic functionality, physical activity level, depressive symptoms and global cognitive state in physically active older people. Method: 53 physically active older people, both genders, answered to Physical Activity Level Baecke Questionnaire, Katz Scale of Basic Functionality, Mini-Exam of State Mental and Geriatric Depressive Scale. It was used Spearman coefficient of correlation (p≤0,05). Results: it was found significant correlation only between schooling and global cognitive state; physical activity level, basic functionality and depressive symptoms did not correlate to schooling. Conclusion: schooling did not influence physical activity level, basic functionality or depressive symptoms, but it correlated to global cognitive state, according with literature, exerting a protective function.