Analysis of Physical Activity Among Free-Living Nonagenarians From a Sardinian Longevous Population

Physical activity was identified as a major determinant of longevity. Using wearable accelerometers, we evaluated energy expenditure (EE), including resting- (REE) and total-energy expenditure, (TEE), physical activity level (PAL), percentage of PAL ≥ 3 metabolic equivalent tasks (METs), number of steps, resting index (RI%) and sleeping patterns in 44 free-living nonagenarians (27 men) residing in a Sardinian village famous for its longevous population. The average REE and TEE recorded were: men 1278 ± 161 kcal/day and 957 ± 110, and women: 2286 ± 541kcal/day and 1811 ± 308 in the women, respectively. The average PAL was 1.8, and percentage of physical activity > 3 METs was above 40%. A significant negative correlation (p<0.05) between disability and PAL was found among women. This study provides evidence that nonagenarians from the longevous population of Sardinia show excellent physical functionality indexes. Their longevity might result, at least partly, from the capability to keep themselves physically fit during aging.