Division of Population Health

New Resource for Data on Disabilities
CDC created the Disability and Health Data System (DHDS) to help partners, researchers,
advocates, and the public assess the health and wellness of people with disabilities. The
DHDS provides access to state health and demographic data by disability status and level
of psychological distress. The DHDS also provides data on disability-associated health
care expenditures.
The data are available in several formats, including standard contrast and high-contrast
interactive maps and data tables that can be customized or downloaded. Users can easily
identify location-specific data for a single year, for multiple years, and by state, territorial,
division, regional, and national levels. For more information, go to http://dhds.cdc.gov.
Indicator 5. Physical activity
• Regular physical activity is one of the most important things older adults can do for
their health. Physical activity can prevent many of the health problems that may come
with age. According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, older adults
need to do two types of physical activity each week to improve health—aerobic and
muscle-strengthening. 16
• Strong evidence shows that regular physical activity is safe and reduces the risk of falls
among older adults. Older adults at risk of falling should do exercises that maintain or
improve their balance. For best results, they should do these exercises at least 3 days a
week from a program shown to reduce falls.
How Much Activity Do Older Adults Need?
2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk
walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that
work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging
or running) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week
that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and
arms).
An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and musclestrengthening
activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups
(legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
Source: CDC, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion, 2011. www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/olderadults.html.
OR
OR
The State of Aging and Health in America 2013 PAGE 19