Physical activity has immense benefits for older adults, playing a pivotal role in enhancing longevity and overall health. This is highlighted in a review article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, which provides a comprehensive summary of the substantial evidence supporting the critical role physical activity has in mitigating or diminishing the impacts of various diseases.
As Canada’s demographic ages, with projections showing at least one in five individuals aged 65 or older by 2025 and those over 85 expected to triple in the next two decades, the importance of physical activity becomes even more pronounced. However, despite these figures, a significant portion of the population does not exercise enough to meet the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. Over 80% of older adults fail to adhere to these recommendations, highlighting a gap in health maintenance during older age.
Dr. Jane Thornton, an associate professor at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, and a director at the International Olympic Committee, emphasizes that physical activity is crucial for maintaining or improving functional independence. This is particularly true for older adults who are frail or at a higher risk of falls. Regular physical activity in the later years is linked to enhanced cognitive functions, better mental health, and improved quality of life.
The significance of physical activity is further supported by a 2023 meta-analysis of several extensive studies, which found that engaging in 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly can reduce the risk of death from all causes by 31%. Physical activity is a vital component in healthy ageing. It can assist in the prevention or alleviation of more than 30 chronic conditions, including heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, and mental health conditions such as depression, dementia, and cancer.
The advantages of staying active extend beyond disease prevention. They include protection against premature death, fall prevention through enhanced muscle strength and balance, improved bone density and joint health, better cognitive functioning, and an enhanced ability to engage in daily activities that boost the quality of life.
Recognizing the importance of tailored exercise prescriptions, especially for those with chronic health conditions or reduced mobility, the World Health Organization recommends 150–300 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity per week for adults, including the elderly. Dr Samir Sinha, a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and director at the National Institute on Ageing, suggests that physical activity prescriptions for older adults should gradually increase activity levels and incorporate resistance training as a key element.
The WHO’s “5As” framework provides clinicians with a structured approach to promoting patient physical activity. Physical activity levels should also be recorded in patient records as vital signs that should be monitored over time.
In conclusion, physical activity should not be overlooked as a health intervention. It is essential in the healthcare delivery for older adults. The presence of age, frailty, or functional impairments should not deter physical activity but should instead be seen as crucial indicators for its prescription. By increasing their activity levels, older adults can extend their lifespan and improve the quality of their later years.
More information: Jane Thornton et al, Move more, age well: prescribing physical activity for older adults, Canadian Medical Association Journal. DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.231336
Journal information: Canadian Medical Association Journal
