The study shows the importance of physical activity for healthy aging

The study shows the importance of physical activity for healthy aging

Can physical activity extend the lifespan of older adults? A review article published inCMAJ(Canadian Medical Association Journal)Summarizes the considerable evidence supporting the important role that physical activity plays in preventing or reducing the impact of disease and discusses how we can prescribe effective exercise for older adults.

Canada's population is aging, with at least 1 in 5 people turning 65 by 2025, and the number of people older than 85 is expected to triple over the next 20 years. However, for many people, these extra years do not mean healthy years. More than 80% of adults do not meet physical activity recommendationsCanadian Physical Activity Guidelines.

“Physical activity is one of the most important ways to maintain or improve functional independence, including among older adults who are frail or considered to be at increased risk of falling,” Western University, London, Ontario and Director of Health, Medicine and Science at the International Olympic Committee.

Higher levels of physical activity in older age are associated with improvements in cognition, mental health and quality of life. “

Dr. Jane Thornton, Associate Professor, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University

A 2023 meta-analysis of several large studies found that 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week reduced the risk of death from all causes by 31%. Physical activity is good for aging and can prevent or reduce more than 30 chronic diseases such as coronary arteries, heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, depression, dementia and cancer.

The benefits of the activity include the following:

• Schutz des Todesrisikos aus irgendeinem Grund
• Stürze Prävention durch erhöhte Muskelkraft und besseres Gleichgewicht
• Knochen- und Gelenkgesundheit, einschließlich einer verbesserten Knochendichte und Linderung einiger Arthrose -Symptome
• Verbesserte kognitive Funktion und bessere Stimmung und psychische Gesundheit
• Fähigkeit, tägliche Aktivitäten zu betreiben und eine verbesserte Lebensqualität

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week for adults, including older adults.

How can clinicians prescribe physical activity?

"As many older adults live with chronic health conditions or reduced mobility, clinicians should adapt and encourage them to take a gradual approach to increasing their physical activity, which should include resistance training (muscle strengthening) as an essential component," said Dr. Samir Sinha, Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Director of Health Policy, National Institute on Aging.

The 5-step framework – referred to as “5as” – can provide clinicians with a roadmap for promoting activity with their patients. The authors also suggest entering physical activity into patient records as a vital sign that follows over time.

"Physical activity is not recommended as a health intervention both in the community and in health care delivery for older adults. Age, frailty, or existing functional impairments should not be considered absolute contraindications to physical activity, but essential reasons for prescribing it. Given the benefits of physical activity interventions for older adults, older adults becoming more physically active may potentially add years to their lives and higher quality of life for those years," the authors conclude.

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