Mixed
Regular physical activity of varying intensities (from low-intensity walking to vigorous sports and resistance exercises) reduces the risk of major cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, obesity, falls, cognitive impairment, osteoporosis, and muscular weakness in older adults.
Start moving regularly. You don't need to be a master athlete. Walking, resistance exercises, and even vigorous sports can improve your health, reduce disease risk, and help you stay independent. If you are frail, start with moderate intensity and build up. The key is consistency and safety, not extreme intensity. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns, but know that exercise is generally safe and beneficial for older adults.
The evidence shows that regular physical activity is safe for healthy and for frail older people and the risks of developing major cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, obesity, falls, cognitive impairments, osteoporosis and muscular weakness are decreased by regularly completing activities ranging from low intensity walking through to more vigorous sports and resistance exercises.
Why this rating
The paper is a comprehensive review citing multiple large-scale studies, guidelines, and meta-analyses.
Source
Physical activity in older age: perspectives for healthy ageing and frailty
Jamie S. McPhee et al. · Biogerontology · 2016
DOI 10.1007/s10522-016-9641-0
More from this paper
- Combined resistance and endurance training is more effective than either type of exercise alone for improving functional mobility, walking, balance, and reducing falls risk in older people with moderate deficits or frailty.Good
- Self-efficacy is the most consistent predictor of physical activity initiation and long-term maintenance in older adults.Good
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This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →