Physical Activity and Health Enhancement in Older Adults: Current Status and Future Prospects

Abstract

Abstract The predicted growth of the elderly population in the U.S. and other Western nations requires an increase in efforts to prevent the illness, disability, and dependence that currently accompany aging in these countries. Regular physical activity represents an important health practice recognized as essential for disease prevention and health enhancement in the general population that may have particular relevance for older adults. The aims of the mini-series on physical activity and health in older adults are to provide a review of current efforts being undertaken in six areas of importance to the elderly population, and to delineate future directions in each area. The first three articles in the mini-series focus on exercise-related areas relevant to the general older population: the importance of skeletal muscle strength to physical function; the effects of exercise on psychological well-being and cognitive functioning; and the evaluation of the broader concept of quality-of-life as applied in this area. Two other reviews focus on physical activity and arthritis, and the relationship between physical activity and the prevention and treatment of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. The final article explores the potential reasons for the large amount of sedentary behavior currently found among older women.