Exercise
Updated July 2006
Physical activity has been proven to help prevent many of the common conditions associated with ageing. These include stroke, hypertension, maturity onset diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis.[see reference 1] Keeping physically active can also help to improve muscle strength, power, endurance, flexibility[see reference 2] and balance, all of which can help prevent trips, slips and falls, which have been highlighted as significant causes of accidental deaths amongst the elderly.[see reference 3]
In addition to the physical benefits, exercise can also improve mental well-being, for example, by reducing the feeling of isolation if exercise is undertaken as part of a group. The increased oxygen flow to the brain, brought on by physical activity can improve mental awareness. This can help with memory and problem solving. Keeping active can also help with coping with feelings of stress and mental wellbeing.[see reference 4]
The type of physical activity undertaken should be considered carefully. Exercise should meet the specific needs of the older person and take account of any current physical activity recommendations for older people in general. It is also important that exercise takes place in a supportive and safe environment.[see reference 2] It should be acknowledged that even very vulnerable older people can exercise safely, provided the exercise programme is appropriately designed and adapted to their needs.[see reference 1]
Exercise can take the form of many different activities, including: walking, carrying out household chores and swimming. Aerobic exercise and exercise that focuses on building muscle resistance and improving balance (to reduce risk of falling) are all highly beneficial. Local leisure centres and swimming pools often run special programmes for older people and reduced rates are usually available. Local libraries are usually able to provide contact details for local clubs and societies. Other networks and groups also exist which are specifically designed for older people. For example, Ageing Well UK coordinates a number of activities including walking groups, gentle exercise and line dancing.
In 2006, Asthma UK, Cancer Research UK and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy jointly launched a campaign to promote the importance of physical activity on health [5]. One of the key themes of their manifesto is the promotion of physical activity in the older population. It calls on the Government to develop strategies to help older adults become more active, promote nationally the benefits of physical activity to older groups and to provide more tailored exercise programmes.
The National Coalition for Active Ageing, launched in June 2005, comprises a number of key agencies and stakeholders which champions the promotion of physical activity in older people. It has produced a leaflet which outlines their work and the need to promote physical activity in older people [Download the leaflet here].
References:
[1] Young A & Harries M (2001) Physical activity for patients – an exercise prescription. London: Royal College of Physicians.
[2] Health Education Authority (1999) Active for Life: Promoting physical activity with older people (guidelines). London: Health Education Authority.
[3] Health Education Authority (2001) Avoiding trips, slips and broken hips factsheet 2. London: Health Promotion England.
[4] Age Concern England (2005) Staying healthy in later life factsheet FS45. London: Age Concern England.
[5] Asthma UK, Cancer Research UK & Chartered Society of Physiotheraphy (2006) Active workplaces? Active communities? Active Government...? London: Sport England.
Further information:
- BBCi Health - Exercise
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- MEDLINEplus Medical Encyclopaedia – Exercise and age
- MEDLINEplus Medical Health Topics – Exercise for seniors
- MEDLINEplus Medical Health Topics – Exercise/physical fitness
- NHS Direct Online – Exercise
- Help the Aged - Health Advice: Exercise