Advertisement

Advertisement

Benefits of Exercise in the Elderly: Doing Something is Better than Nothing

Kim Wilson, BSc, MSc

Regular exercise is associated with cardiovascular, respiratory, neuromuscular and metabolic benefits. It is also an important factor in improving the immune system and preventing diseases, such as osteoporosis and coronary artery disease, while reducing disability. Physical activity also gives an energy boost, lowers cholesterol, enhances mood, and increases general feelings of well being.1,2,3

Research has shown that regular exercise decreases the mortality rate in middle-aged men and probably in middle-aged women, but whether this occurs in the elderly has not been studied extensively.4 Very little research has been done to determine how much exercise an elderly person needs to do to obtain health benefits.

The intensity of exercise required to promote cardiovascular health among older persons has remained controversial.5 Some studies suggest strenuous activity reduces coronary disease risk while other studies found that less intense activity reduces the risk of coronary disease.4,5 Not surprisingly, physicians are confused about how to prescribe an exercise regimen to their older patients.

Research in the area of exercise and health has traditionally focused on younger individuals.