Physical activity and exercise in older adults - UpToDate

Exercise is beneficial for older adults. Older individuals who are physically active report better overall health, lower health care expenditures, and fewer mobility limitations than their sedentary counterparts [1-4]. However, the prevalence of older adults performing activities for aerobic conditioning, muscle strengthening, flexibility, and balance is low, and many older adults are not aware of the recommended components of a physical activity plan. This topic will review the benefits of physical activity in older adults and make recommendations for how to engage older adults in appropriate exercise. Several other topics in UpToDate discuss the role of exercise in the general population: ● (See "The benefits and risks of aerobic exercise".) ● (See "Exercise and fitness in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease".) ● (See "Exercise physiology".) ● (See "Exercise prescription and guidance for adults".) ● (See "Exercise for adults: Terminology, patient assessment, and

Exercise is beneficial for older adults. Older individuals who are physically active report better overall health, lower health care expenditures, and fewer mobility limitations than their sedentary counterparts [1-4]. However, the prevalence of older adults performing activities for aerobic conditioning, muscle strengthening, flexibility, and balance is low, and many older adults are not aware of the recommended components of a physical activity plan. This topic will review the benefits of physical activity in older adults and make recommendations for how to engage older adults in appropriate