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11 - Preventive Effects of Physical Activity in Older People

from Part I - Biomedical Aspects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2019

By
Timo E. Strandberg
Edited by
Rocío Fernández-Ballesteros ,
Athanase Benetos  and
Jean-Marie Robine
Rocío Fernández-Ballesteros
Affiliation:
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Athanase Benetos
Affiliation:
Université de Lorraine and Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) Nancy
Jean-Marie Robine
Affiliation:
INSERM
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Summary

Promoting physical activity is in many ways beneficial even in oldest-old, 90 years and older, but methods must be adjusted and individualized. Versatile exercise improving the cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and mobility as well as balance is effective for maintaining functional capacity, especially among those already having impaired mobility and being frail. Physical exercise can slow down the progress of osteoporosis, and intense exercise may even improve bone density in an older person. The main focus of physical activity aiming at the prevention of falls and fractures is in training that improves balance and muscular strength in the lower extremities. Endurance exercise and strength training may also prevent cognitive decline. Mental and social aspects of physical activity in older people are also important.
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Successful Aging , pp. 169 - 178
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2019

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