Physical_Activity_Guidelines

Being Active in the Presence of Health Challenges
Older adults who have chronic conditions or other health
challenges that prevent them from doing the equivalent of 150
Learn More
to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week
should set physical activity goals that meet their abilities. They See Chapter 6. Additional
should talk with their health care professional about setting
Considerations for Some Adults for
information on some conditions.
physical activity goals. They should avoid an inactive lifestyle.
Physical inactivity is among the strongest predictors of physical
disability in older people. Even small amounts of moderate-intensity aerobic activity provide some health benefits.
Older adults with frailty and those who have had a hip fracture are discussed below.
Frailty
In frail older adults, strong evidence demonstrates that physical function can be improved with regular physical
activity. Physical activity can contribute to improved walking and gait, balance, strength, self-reported measures
of activities of daily living, and quality of life. Multicomponent physical activity of at least moderate intensity
that is performed 3 or more times a week for a duration of 30 to 45 minutes per session, over at least 3 to 5
months, appears most effective to increase functional ability in frail older adults. Multicomponent physical
activity programs are more effective than doing just a single type of physical activity.
After a Hip Fracture
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of falls and the extent of an injury from a fall. Physical activity is
also important to improve physical function following a hip fracture. Much of the research has been on extended
exercise programs beginning after the fracture and has documented improved walking and performancebased
measures of gait, balance, strength, and activities of daily living, or self-reported mobility.
Being Active With a Functional Limitation
When a person has lost some ability to do a task of everyday life, such as climbing stairs, the person has a
functional limitation. In older adults with existing functional limitations, scientific evidence indicates that regular
physical activity is safe and has a beneficial effect on functional ability, thus making it easier to do activities of
daily living.
Resuming Activity After an Illness
An older adult may have to take a break from regular physical activity because of an illness, such as the flu. If
these interruptions occur, older adults should resume activity at a lower level and gradually work back up to
their usual level of activity.
Getting and Staying Active: Real-Life Examples
These examples show how different people with different living circumstances and levels of fitness can meet
the key guidelines for older adults.
76 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans