Inadequate functional capacity and health-related outcomes in older adults living in nursing homes in Greece

Physical activity (PA) in older adults is essential for disease prevention, maintenance of independence and improvement of quality of life. However, nursing home residents spend their time mostly sedentary. In this study, the levels of PA among older adults living independently in the community and their matched counterparts in nursing homes were assessed. Participants’ body mass index, functional capacity and health-related quality of life aspects were evaluated. Quality of life scores (QoL) were similar between the two groups. However, the nursing home participants had lower functional capacity, lower cognitive function and reduced PA levels, compared to their counterparts. PA was strongly correlated with cognitive function and QoL, whereas QoL, fatigue, depression and quality of sleep were negatively correlated. Older adults living in nursing homes have lower levels of PA which in turn could potentially affect cognitive function, QoL and functionality.