![]() Good physiological function is maintained until middle age and thereafter progressively deteriorates. Schematic representation of ageing trajectories and individual exercise needs. ![]() Chronological age is a convenient and often very good predictor of health status, disease burden and physical capability, but there is considerable inter-individual variability, with some older people having very good health and others show accelerated onset of weakness, disability and frailty. For instance, progressive cognitive declines affect memory and learning skeletal muscle atrophies and becomes progressively weaker (known as sarcopenia) and ageing-related declines in bone mineral density lead to osteopenia and osteoporosis. After the age of around 40 years it is possible to detect deterioration of the function of physiological systems, with associated anatomical and ultrastructural changes. A general schematic representation of ageing is shown in Fig. The most rapid rise is projected for the ‘oldest’ old, where the number of people aged over 85 years increases from 1.4 million to around 3.5 million. Older people may be encouraged to increase their activities if influenced by clinicians, family or friends, keeping costs low and enjoyment high, facilitating group-based activities and raising self-efficacy for exercise.ĭata from the UK Office for National Statistics (2012) project an increase in the population aged over 60 years from 17 % in 2010 to around 23 % by 2035. Yet, participation in physical activities remains low amongst older adults, particularly those living in less affluent areas. The evidence shows that regular physical activity is safe for healthy and for frail older people and the risks of developing major cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, obesity, falls, cognitive impairments, osteoporosis and muscular weakness are decreased by regularly completing activities ranging from low intensity walking through to more vigorous sports and resistance exercises. The physiological rationale for physical activity, risks of adverse events, societal and psychological factors are discussed with a view to inform public health initiatives for the relatively healthy older person as well as those with physical frailty. Local authorities have a responsibility to promote physical activity amongst older people, but knowing how to stimulate regular activity at the population-level is challenging. The sedentary lifestyles that predominate in older age results in premature onset of ill health, disease and frailty. Despite the highly publicised benefits of physical activity, the overwhelming majority of older people in the United Kingdom do not meet the minimum physical activity levels needed to maintain health. Regular physical activity helps to improve physical and mental functions as well as reverse some effects of chronic disease to keep older people mobile and independent.
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