Physical_Activity_Guidelines

The benefits of regular physical activity occur throughout life and are essential for healthy aging. Adults ages
65 years and older gain substantial health benefits from regular physical activity. However, it is never too
late to start being physically active. Being physically active makes it easier to perform activities of daily living,
including eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, and moving around the house
or neighborhood. Physically active older adults are less likely to experience falls, and if they do fall, they are
less likely to be seriously injured. Physical activity can also preserve physical function and mobility, which may
help maintain independence longer and delay the onset of major disability. Research shows that physical
activity can improve physical function in adults of any age, adults with overweight or obesity, and even
those who are frail. Promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior for older adults is especially
important because this population is the least physically active of any age group, and most older adults spend
a significant proportion of their day being sedentary.
Older adults are a varied group. Most, but not all, have
one or more chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, Learn More
cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, or cancer, and these See Chapter 6. Additional
conditions vary in type and severity. Nevertheless, being
Considerations for Some Adults for a
physically active has significant benefits for all older adults. discussion of physical activity for older
Physical activity is key to preventing and managing chronic
adults with chronic conditions.
disease. Other benefits include a lower risk of dementia,
better perceived quality of life, and reduced symptoms of
anxiety and depression. Additionally, doing physical activity with others can provide opportunities for social
engagement and interaction. All older adults experience a loss of physical fitness and function with age, but
some experience this more than others. This diversity means that some older adults can run several miles,
while others struggle to walk a few blocks.
This chapter provides guidance about physical activity for adults ages 65 years and older. The Guidelines seeks
to help older adults select the types and amounts of physical activity appropriate for their own abilities.
For adults ages 65 years and older who have good fitness and no chronic conditions, the guidance in this
chapter is essentially the same as that provided in Chapter 4. Active Adults.
Chapter 5. Active Older Adults 67