Physical activity in older age: perspectives for healthy ageing and frailty

Abstract

Regular physical activity helps to improve physical and mental functions as well as reverse some effects of chronic disease to keep older people mobile and independent. Despite the highly publicised benefits of physical activity, the overwhelming majority of older people in the United Kingdom do not meet the minimum physical activity levels needed to maintain health. The sedentary lifestyles that predominate in older age results in premature onset of ill health, disease and frailty. Local authorities have a responsibility to promote physical activity amongst older people, but knowing how to stimulate regular activity at the population-level is challenging. The physiological rationale for physical activity, risks of adverse events, societal and psychological factors are discussed with a view to inform public health initiatives for the relatively healthy older person as well as those with physical frailty. 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. Yet, participation in physical activities remains low amongst older adults, particularly those living in less affluent areas. Older people may be encouraged to increase their activities if influenced by clinicians, family or friends, keeping costs low and enjoyment high, facilitating group-based activities and raising self-efficacy for exercise.

Supervised dance intervention based on video game choreography increases quadriceps cross sectional area and peak of torque in community dwelling older women

“…It is well described in literature that muscle strength and power exercises are effective in improving muscle strength, mass and power, and the functionality, components that are closely related to the maintenance of functional independence and the ability to perform daily living activities in older adults [1][2][3] . However, it is estimated that the number of old participants who frequently practice strength training is less than 10% 4 and the low adherence may be related to the repetitive and tedious characteristics of this type of training, reported by participants 5 .…”

Relación Entre Índices Antropométricos De Salud Con El Consumo De Alimentos en Adultos Mayores Fisicamente Activos

“…El sobrepeso y la obesidad se han convertido en problemas de salud pública que incluso han alcanzado a los adultos mayores (AM) (1,2), hecho que, sumado al desconocimiento sobre buenos hábitos de alimentación y actividad física (AF) (3)(4)(5)(6), podría suponer mayor riesgo por muerte cardiovascular futura (7). Al respecto, diversas investigaciones han descrito los beneficios conseguidos a través de programas de prevención de salud para AM (3,8), especialmente aquellos basados en iniciativas sobre educación alimentaria y la práctica regular de AF (4,9).…”

“…Al respecto, diversas investigaciones han descrito los beneficios conseguidos a través de programas de prevención de salud para AM (3,8), especialmente aquellos basados en iniciativas sobre educación alimentaria y la práctica regular de AF (4,9).…”

“…Estos datos son poco alentadores debido a la relación que existiría entre poseer un estado nutricional de normopeso y la vida activa con menor prevalencia de caídas, mayor autonomía funcional, aumento de las relaciones sociales y mejor calidad de vida en la vejez (1,3,4,8,9).…”

Behavioral Program and Exercise Training for Older Persons: Effect on Cardiorespiratory Fitness

“…Physical activity tends to decrease with age. Studies reported that a decline in voluntary physical activity which is associated with reductions in several measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, including maximal aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and fatiguability leading to an increased risk of frailty (Mcphee et al, 2016). Also, reports from National Health and Morbidity Survey revealed that over the previous 30 years, there were progressive decreases in the level of physical activity among Malaysian population.…”