Physical activity and successful aging among middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Apr 29;12(9):7704-7716. doi: 10.18632/aging.103057. Epub 2020 Apr 29.

Abstract

Background: We aimed to investigate the association between physical activity and successful aging among middle-aged and older adults and study how this association changes with age and time.

Results: The mean score of Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessment was 8.0±0.8. Physically active middle-aged and older adults were more likely to age successfully than sedentary adults (OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.40-1.94). The effect of physical activity was stronger in the younger group (OR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.41-2.08) than on the older group (OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.13-2.08). However, the protective effect of physical activity reduced annually by approximately 3%.

Conclusions: Physical activity promotes successful aging among middle-aged and older adults especially in the younger population. Being physically active at middle and old age is beneficial to successful aging.

Methods: We searched for the relevant studies in three online databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase. Fifteen community-based cohort studies were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessment Form was used for quality assessment. Overall, 189,192 participants aged 43.9-79.0 years were analyzed. The odds ratio for successful aging of the most physically active group compared with sedentary group was analyzed. Subgroup analysis was conducted by age group. Univariate Meta-regression was performed according to follow-up years.

Keywords: exercise; healthy aging; older people; physical activity; successful aging.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged