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Journal of Applied Gerontology
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Agility and Balance Differ Between Older Community and Retirement Facility Residents

Kyung-Hwan Kang

Konyang University

Karen N. White

Oregon State University, Karen.White{at}oregonstate.edu

Wilson C. Hayes

Oregon State University

Christine M. Snow

Oregon State University

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether agility and static balance differ between older adults living in the community (n = 169) and those living in retirement facilities (n = 172). Participants underwent tests of agility (timed Up & Go, tandem gait, reaction time, and lateral stepping velocity) and static balance (body sway, eyes open and closed while standing normally; body sway, eyes open while standing semitandem). A MANCOVA revealed that older adults living in retirement facilities demonstrated 20% to 21% slower values of tandem gait, reaction time, and lateral stepping velocity than community-dwelling residents (p <.0001). Retirement-dwelling residents had 411% greater sway while standing in a normal position and 79% greater sway while standing in a semitandem position (p <.01). In conclusion, older adults living in the community performed better on tests of agility and balance than older adults living in retirement facilities.

Key Words: function • aging • physical activity • elderly • fall • sway

Journal of Applied Gerontology, Vol. 23, No. 4, 457-468 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0733464804271275
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