Comparisson of the Lifestyle and Subjective Health of Master Swimmers and Physically Inactive Lithuanian Adult Population

The aim: to compare lifestyle and subjective health between master swimmers and physically inactive Lithuanian adult population. Subjects and methods: The study material about master swimmers was collected by the self-administrated questionnaire, which was filled in by 197 swimmers in 2011. The response rate was 76.1 %. The data of master swimmers were compared to those of the physically inactive Lithuanian adult population. These data were taken from the cross-sectional postal surveys of randomly selected nationally representative sample of 3000 Lithuanian inhabitants aged 20 – 64 in 2010. In total, 1997 persons participated in this survey. Both questionnaires included similar questions on socio-demographic information, self-reported health and health behaviours. Results: A lifestyle of swimmers was healthier in comparison to physically inactive adults. The majority of swimmers exercised daily: swam 3 times a week (75%) and chose other physical activities 3 times a week (69%). The principal motives for exercising were the possibility to maintain their health and delay ageing, to have better shape and look. More master swimmers were non-smokers and they consumed alcohol less often if compared with physically inactive adults. The most of the swimmers (81%) and 42% of physically inactive adults assessed their health as good or reasonable well. Almost all health complaints: high blood pressure, headache, nuchal aches, backache (in women), articular aches (in women), insomnia and depression were less prevalent among swimmers compared to those in physically inactive adults. Conclusion. The study data highlight the need for future physical activity promotion programme targeting the whole population.