Regular Vigorous Physical Activity and Disability Development in Healthy Overweight and Normal-Weight Seniors: A 13-Year Study

Abstract

Being physically active mitigated development of disability in these seniors, largely independent of BMI. Public health efforts that promote physically active lifestyles among seniors may be more successful than those that emphasize body weight in the prevention of functional decline.

Impact of a Senior Fitness Program on Measures of Physical and Emotional Health and Functioning

“…26 Consistent with many of the results of this study on SilverSneakers, the additional benefits seniors can gain from participating in regular moderate-intensity physical activity are wide ranging, including lowering the risk of depression, mitigating the development of disabilities, and improving the ability to do daily activities. [30][31][32] Research by Coughlin indicates that certain aspects of wellbeing decline with age in seniors (life evaluation and physical health) while other domains of well-being actually increase in the senior years (healthy behaviors, emotional health, basic access, and work environment). 33 The results are consistent with the SilverSneakers program as a means to not only augment the aspects of well-being that are already strong among seniors, but also to help improve the physical health trajectory of seniors, a major issue for senior well-being.…”

Perceived Barriers, Benefits, and Motives for Physical Activity: Two Primary-Care Physical Activity Prescription Programs

“…Such barriers were centered on health and medical reasons and motivational issues. Research indicates that older adults who are obese or overweight are more likely to be inactive, as their excess weight limits their physical functioning (Bruce, Fries, & Hubert, 2008;Milner, 2005). Daily tasks that include walking, reaching, and bending become difficult to perform and thus take more energy and effort (Bruce et al, 2008;Milner, 2005).…”

“…Research indicates that older adults who are obese or overweight are more likely to be inactive, as their excess weight limits their physical functioning (Bruce, Fries, & Hubert, 2008;Milner, 2005). Daily tasks that include walking, reaching, and bending become difficult to perform and thus take more energy and effort (Bruce et al, 2008;Milner, 2005). Research shows that older adults who are obese (BMI >30) and overweight ) are more likely to have mobility problems and chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular problems) than their normal-weight peers (BMI 18.5-24.9;Milner, 2005;Shah, Wingkum, Lambert, & Villareal, 2008;Yeom, Fluery, & Keller, 2008).…”

Do Inactive Older Adults Who Increase Physical Activity Experience Less Disability

“…Two years later physical activity change status was classified as: (1) met Federal physical activity guidelines (≥150 moderate-to-vigorous minutes/week acquired in bouts ≥10 minutes), (2) insufficiently increased activity (some but <150 moderate-to-vigorous bout minutes/week) or (3) remained inactive. Disability at baseline and two years was assessed by Late Life Disability Instrument (LLDI) limitation and frequency scores.…”