Age- and gender-specific improvements on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cardiovascular fitness in healthy and sporting inactive older adults using a multidimensional exercise program

Abstract

Introduction: Various training regimes in older adults yield differing effects on subjective well-being and physical performance, influenced by age, gender, and individual health status, with noted discrepancies between perceived well-being and actual performance. Methods: This study investigated age- and gender-specific effects of a 24-week multidimensional training program—including popular sports—on 81 sporting inactive, healthy older adults (60–74 years; f = 53, m = 28). Cardiovascular fitness was assessed via Physical Working Capacity 130 and health-related quality of life via ShortForm 36. Results: Women and participants aged 65–69 years showed the greatest subjective health gains and improvements in cardiovascular fitness (p.191), indicating that women with lower baseline performance did not show systematically larger subjective gains. Discussion: The program thus offers an effective, non-traditional option to enhance physical fitness and health perception in older adults.