Introduction:

The relationship between healthy physical condition and some basic skills for the independence of the senior citizen in the Municipality of La Plata, Argentina, from 2015 to 2018 is studied.

Hypothesis:

senior citizens who are in better physical condition have greater independence for basic activities of daily living.

Methods:

the Barthel test was applied to measure daily living skills on senior citizens. The maximum grip strength was measured with dynamometer, and the “walking speed” and “time up and go” tests were applied to assess physical condition. Correlation, coefficient of determination was calculated.

Results:

A total of 91 senior citizens, 25 men, 64 women with an average age of 74.81 ± 9.38, average weight 69.99 ± 19.09, and average height 155 ± 13.06 were evaluated. As age increased, the maximum strength decreased significantly (r-0.40, R2 0.16, p <0.05). Maximum strength is significantly greater in people who are independent than in those who have some degree of dependence (dependent Fmax 17,47kg ± 6,58 with IC 95% 14,1-20,85 vs independent 23,76 kg ± 6,3 P <0.05 with IC 95% 22.27-25.25).

Conclusions:

the maximum grip strength of the hand is related to the independence for activities of daily living. The component of muscular strength may be relevant in health and quality of life programs in this population.

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