Introduction:

Optimization of physical condition in the elderly reduces, in general, the effects of aging and poor living conditions. The objective was to compare, using sociodemographic variables, the functional physical condition of older adults in two Colombian cities.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out, in both cities, of 428 older adults who attended elderly care centers. Their sociodemographic characteristics were investigated. Functional physical condition was evaluated by way of the Senior Fitness battery. A bivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

For both men and women, according to the Senior Fitness battery, elderly living in Tunja had better results than those in Barranquilla. In Tunja, people belonging to the subsidized regime, and between 75 and 90 years old, had a greater risk of deficiencies in aerobic resistance (OR: 2.2; CI 95%: 1.1-4.3), and a higher probability of decreasing strength in the lower limbs (OR: 4.3; CI 95%: 1.9-9.6), upper limbs (OR: 2.6; CI 95%: 1.2-5.3), and balance disturbances (OR: 2.1; CI 95%: 1.1-4). In Barranquilla, the probability of a high body mass index was higher in women than in men (OR: 2.2; CI 95%: 1.1-4.4) and those who were not married (OR: 2.6; CI 95%: 1.2-5.6).

Conclusion:

The similarities and differences found among the subjects of the two cities raise questions that must be addressed through experimental studies.

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