Benefits of Exercise in the Older Population

Abstract

Older adults 65 years of age and older compose a great portion of the US population. Physiologic changes of aging that limit function and general quality of life occur at a faster rate as we get older. There is high-quality evidence that exercise activity has many favorable benefits for older adults. The ideal exercise program in older adults should include aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and balance training. The exercise recommendations should be individually tailored to the abilities, precautions, and goals of each person. They also should be of sufficient intensity, volume, and duration in order to achieve maximal benefits.

Keywords: Aerobic; Balance; Elderly; Exercise; Flexibility; Older adults; Physical activity; Resistance.