Physical activity and older adults: a review of health benefits and the effectiveness of interventions

Authors: AH Taylor1; NT Cable2; G Faulkner3; M Hillsdon4; M Narici5; AK Van Der Bij6

Source: Journal of Sports Sciences, Volume 22, Number 8, August 2004 , pp. 703-725(23)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content

Abstract:

The purpose of this multidisciplinary review paper is to critically review evidence from descriptive, efficacy and effectiveness studies concerned with physical activity and older people. Both levels of fitness (aerobic power, strength, flexibility and functional capability) and measures of physical activity involvement decline with age, and the extent to which this is due to a biological ageing processes or disuse (physical inactivity) is critically examined. The review will consider the evidence for a causal relationship between sedentary behaviour/physical activity programmes and cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and psycho-social health, independent living and health-related quality of life into old age. The review also considers the effectiveness of different physical activity interventions for older people and issues relating to cost-effectiveness. The implications for future policy in terms of research, health care services, and education and training are briefly discussed.

Keywords: ageing; cardiovascular; exercise; health promotion; musculoskeletal; psychological well-being; quality of life

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/02640410410001712421

Affiliations: 1: School of Sport and Health Sciences University of Exeter Exeter UK 2: Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK 3: Faculty of Physical Education and Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada 4: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health University College London London UK 5: Centre for Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement The Manchester Metropolitan University Alsager UK; and 6: Centre for Quality of Health Care University Medical Centre Nijmegen The Netherlands

The full text article is available for purchase

$35.59 plus tax

 

OR

Back to top

Key:
Free Content - Free Content
New Content - New Content
Subscribed Content - Subscribed Content
Free Trial Content - Free Trial Content
Page Help Click here for Page Help
Shopping cart
Tools
Sign in






Need to register?
Sign up here
Text size: A | A | A | A