A review article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal summarizes the considerable evidence supporting the important role physical activity plays in preventing or reducing the effects of diseases and discusses how to prescribe effective exercise for older adults.
A 2023 meta-analysis of several large studies found that 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week reduced the risk of death from all causes by 31%. Physical activity is essential for aging well and can help prevent or reduce disease in more than 30 chronic conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, depression, dementia, and cancer.
Benefits of activity include the following:
Protection against risk of death from any cause
Falls prevention through increased muscle strength and better balance
Bone and joint health, including improved bone density and alleviation of some osteoarthritis symptoms
Improved cognitive function, and better mood and mental health
Ability to engage in daily activities and improved quality of life
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150–300 minutes weekly of moderate-to-intense physical activity for adults, including older adults.
The WHO 5-step framework — called the “5As” — can provide clinicians with a roadmap to promote activity in their patients. The authors also suggest inputting physical activity in patient records as a vital sign to follow over time.
“Physical activity is underused as a health intervention both in the community and in the delivery of health care for older adults. Age, frailty, or existing functional impairments should not be viewed as absolute contraindications to physical activity but rather key reasons to prescribe it, considering the benefits of physical activity interventions for older adults. Older adults who become more physically active can potentially add years to their lives as well as higher quality of life to those years,” the authors conclude.
Reference: Move more, age well: prescribing physical activity for older adults
Jane S. Thornton, William N. Morley, Samir K. Sinha
CMAJ Jan 2025, 197 (3) E59-E67; DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.231336
