Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Marmara Üniversitesi Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Yüksekokulu, İstanbul
Marmara Üniversitesi Sağlık Eğitim Fakültesi, İstanbul In this study, M.U. The School of Physical Education and Sports and The Faculty of Health Education have started a collaborative study to investigate the socio-demographic situations, functional capacities and the life satisfaction of the elderly living in SHÇEK İzzet Baysal Nursing House. 30 elderly volunteers (78.16±6.26yrs)with stable general health were included into this study. Their socio-demographic situation were assessed by a questionnaire, and the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI-A)and Mental Health Status (MHS) test were applied. To understand the physical condition of the elderly, isometric strength of their arm, their static and dynamic balance, speed in walking 6m and climbing 10 steps, and their visual and auditory reaction times were assessed. The relation between the educational level and the LSI and the mental health status were significant (p<0.001). MHS were significantly higher among the married ones (p<0,004). The LSI-A scores were also higher among the ones joining to the recreative activities as handcraft, sawing, and walking regularly (p<0,021). The correlation between the LSI (r=0.54), walking (r=0.88) and the visual and auditory reaction time (r=0.86) were found significant (p<0.05, p < 0.01, p<0.05). In linear regression analysis, the independent variables to LSI-A scores were found as climbing up stairs and visual reaction time (p <0.05). According to the results of this study, the elderly having more active life presented a higher LSI-A index scores. Keywords : Aging, Quality of life, Life satisfaction, Mental status, Education, Reaction time, Physical capacity, Exercises