Physical activity as a factor in ensuring working longevity of women aged 45-60 years

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Dr. Hab., Professor F.R. Zotova1, 3
PhD F.A. Mavliev1
G.F. Khamidullina2, 3
1Volga Region State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kazan
2Kazan National Research Technological University, Kazan
3Kazan Medical University, Kazan

Keywords: physical activity, occupational longevity, middle-aged women, integration technology, aerobic capacity

Introduction With the rising retirement age, the potential of physical activity in maintaining occupational longevity for pre-retirement women (45–60 years) has become increasingly relevant. Studies indicate that women in this demographic often underestimate the role of physical fitness in prolonging their working capacity, likely due to entrenched behavioral stereotypes and lack of positive attitudes toward exercise programs [1].

Research Objective To develop and test an integrated physical activity technology aimed at enhancing occupational longevity for women aged 45–60.

Methods and Research Organization
The study involved 156 working women (45–60 years) from sectors involving "Human-Symbolic Systems" and "Human-Human" interactions. A battery of lab and field tests assessed:

  • Aerobic/anaerobic capacity
  • Body composition
  • Postural stability
  • Visual-motor reaction time
  • Physical fitness (including GTO standards).

A 6-month formative pedagogical experiment was conducted with 42 women, featuring:

  • Three 60-minute weekly sessions (low-intensity strength training, cardio, postural stability exercises, pelvic floor muscle training).
  • Participation in the "Walking Person" step-count competition.
  • Morning gymnastics routines (updated bimonthly by researchers).

Results and Discussion Baseline testing revealed:

  • Low aerobic capacity (↓VO₂peak) and muscle power (upper/lower limbs), linked to sedentary lifestyles.
  • Cardiovascular inefficiency: During the Cooper test, increased heart rate (rather than stroke volume) compensated for oxygen demand, indicating poor adaptation.
  • Below-average scores in postural stability, visual-motor reaction, and strength tests (e.g., push-ups, modified pull-ups).
  • Grip strength dynamometry showed impaired force differentiation, suggesting detraining.

Post-intervention results demonstrated:

  • Preserved anaerobic capacity and moderate aerobic improvement.
  • Enhanced musculoskeletal health, particularly in pelvic floor strength (critical for menopausal women).

Conclusions The tailored program improved health and fitness metrics, confirming the adaptability of middle-aged women to structured physical activity. This underscores the need for workplace wellness initiatives targeting this demographic.

References

  1. Zotova, F. R., Mavliev, F. A., Ivanova, E. S., et al. (2023). Potentsial fizicheskoi aktivnosti v obespechenii trudovogo dolgoletiya zhenshchin 45-60 let [Physical activity potential in ensuring occupational longevity for women aged 45–60]. Nauka i Sport: Sovremennye Tendentsii [Science and Sport: Current Trends], 11(3), 135–143.
  2. Zotova, F. R., Mavliev, F. A., Ivanova, E. S., et al. (2023). Otsenka urovnya aerobnoi rabotosposobnosti zhenshchin 45-60 let [Assessment of the level of aerobic performance of women 45-60 years old]. Teoriya i Praktika Fizicheskoi Kultury, 11, 83.