The Seasonal Variations of Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity in Turkish Older Adults

Abstract

Objective: Regular physical activities contributes to better health outcomes in all stages of life. Older adults may have altered levels of exercise at different times of the year.

Methods: Community-dwelling older adults (>= 65 years of age) in Ankara, is the capital city of Turkey were recruited prospectively. Physical activity status and the resting metabolic rate were assessed every three months (May, August, November, and February).

Results: Overall, 31 individuals were analyzed (mean age women: 73.9 +/- 7.0 years, men: 75.5 +/- 5.7 years; women: 65.0%). The level of physical activity was highest in autumn (44.0 +/- 41.0 min) and summer (41.0 +/- 48.0 min) but lowest in winter (24.0 +/- 19.0 min) (p<0.05). The ratio of performing regular daily exercise was highest in summer (25.8%), which decreased significantly in winter (9.7%). No statistically significant changes were noted in the total daily energy expenditure and resting metabolic energy expenditure across four seasons.

Conclusion: Although some increases were observed in autumn and summer, the level of physical activity in older adults was low in all seasons. However, daily energy expenditure remained constant. The study suggests that there is a need for improvement in lifestyle behaviors of Turkish older adults to increase health-related quality of life and also to prevent adverse outcomes.