Assessment of Body Composition and Physical Function of Retired Teachers in Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract

In Nigeria, retirees frequently encounter considerable emotional and financial stressors, often linked to delays or denial of their entitlements post-service, which can contribute to increased sedentary behaviour. This confluence of age-related decline, potentially low habitual physical activity, and retirement-specific challenges likely impacts the body composition and physical function of retired teachers in Oyo State. Therefore, a critical need exists to assess the health indicators among retired population. Ex post facto research design was used in this study. A sample of 120 participants was selected based inclusion/ exclusion criteria. An adapted Senior Fitness Test (SFT) and other standardized instruments were used for data collection. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that; i. majority of the participants had normal BMI (M 24.41, SD 8.12 kg/m2) and WHR ({male, M 0.81, SD 0.07}, {female, M 0.80, SD 0.07}); ii. majority of the participants performed below average in SFT: 8-FT Up & Go, (male: M 5.22 seconds, SD 3.03 seconds; Female: M 6.11 seconds, SD 3.46 seconds); and 2-mins steps (male, M 62.04, SD 7.23; female, M 58.33, SD 6.67). The study concluded that; that retired teachers in Ilorin metropolis possessed low risk body composition values but exhibit poor functional capacity due to physically inactivity. It was therefore recommended that exercise intervention should be conducted among retired teachers in Ilorin metropolis for health promotion, maintenance and rehabilitation.