The association between physical activity and quality of life in older women.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the association between physical activity and quality of life in older women. Women over the age of 60 years, living independently or in assisted-care facilities, answered a number of questions pertaining to their health status, physical activity levels, and quality of life. Results indicated that the women living independently had significantly (P <.05) higher physical activity levels compared to the women living in assisted-care facilities. In addition, overall quality of life and the domains of physical health, social relationships, and environment were found to be significantly (P <.05) higher in the women living independently compared to the women living in assisted-care facilities. Correlational analyses revealed that physical activity levels correlated significantly (P <.05) with overall quality of life and the physical health domain. It is concluded that there is an association between physical activity levels and quality of life in older women.