Functional Fitness of Low-Income Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Amazonian Brazilian

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The functional capacity of older adults is a critical determinant of autonomy and quality of life, particularly in low-income populations from remote regions with limited access to health services. This study aimed to characterize the functional fitness (FF) of community-dwelling older adults in the interior of Amazonas, Brazil, stratified by sex and age group. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted with 807 older adults (471 females), aged ≥ 60 years, from four municipalities in northern Brazil. The FF was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), including measures of strength (30-s Chair Stand Test-CST; 30-s Arm Curl Test-ACT), flexibility (Chair Sit and Reach Test-CSAR, Back Scratch Test-BST), balance/agility (8-Foot Up-and-Go Test-FUG), and aerobic endurance (6-min walk test-6MWT). Descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and age- and sex-specific percentiles were calculated. <b>Results:</b> Results indicated a progressive decline in FF with advancing age. Males outperformed females in strength and endurance tests, whereas females exhibited better flexibility. Notable reductions in performance were observed after age 75, particularly in CST, ACT, FUG, and 6MWT. Overall, the functional profiles of this population were below international norms, especially among females and individuals aged ≥ 80. The prevalence of overweight was 39.3%, with socioeconomic vulnerability affecting over 90% of participants. <b>Conclusions:</b> Older adults in low-income, remote Amazonian Brazilian communities demonstrate marked functional decline with ageing, influenced by socioeconomic and environmental constraints. These findings highlight the urgency of implementing accessible, community-based interventions focused on physical activity, strength, mobility, and endurance to support healthy ageing in underserved regions.