Author(s): Post-retirement physical fitness and health outcomes: An analytical study of male and female athletes

Abstract:
In today’s fast-paced world, individuals are engaged in continuous daily activities with minimal rest, leading to increased levels of stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact overall well-being. To counteract these effects, people often turn to physical activities and sports as a means of stress relief. Historically, recreational activities, exercise, and sports have played a vital role in promoting mental and physical health. There is substantial scientific evidence supporting the benefits of regular physical activity as a key factor in maintaining health and fitness. Retirement from an athletic career represents a significant life transition. Failure to adapt to this change can result in adverse health outcomes. The present study aims to assess the physical fitness status of retired male and female sportspersons from Karnataka state. A total of 80 retired athletes (male = 41, female = 39), who had previously represented Karnataka in various sports and games, were selected for the study. Their physical fitness was evaluated using measures of flexibility and hand grip strength. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were applied, along with tabular and percentage analyses to categorize Body Mass Index (BMI) and Blood Pressure levels. The findings reveal that retired sportspersons often face challenges in maintaining a healthy body weight and normal blood pressure levels post-retirement. These insights highlight the need for targeted interventions to support the health and fitness of retired athletes.

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