Difference and relation between balance, physical fitness and quality of life in retired people living in different geographical regions of Turkey

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship and difference between balance, physical fitness and the quality of lifein retired people living in different geographical regions of Turkey.Material and Methods: For balance evaluation Berg Balance Scale, for physical fitness evaluation Senior Fitness Test (Chair StandTest, Arm Curl Test, 2-Minute Step Test, Chair Sit-and-Reach Test, Back Scratch Test and 8-foot Up-and-Go Test) for quality of lifeevaluation Short Form (36) Health Survey were administered to 155 retired individuals from seven geographical regions of Turkey(Antalya, Gaziantep, Elazığ, Eskişehir, İstanbul, İzmir, Samsun) For statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance and Spearman’scorrelation analysis were used.Results: A total of 155 individuals aged between 55 and over were included in the study. The mean age of the individuals was64.23±5.86 years. The results of Berg Balance Scale showed statistically significant differences (p