Greater physical activity of an aerobic nature ( categorized by a variety of methods ) was associated with higher functional status ( expressed by a host of outcome measures ) in older age .
For functional independence , moderate ( and high ) levels of physical activity appeared effective in conferring a reduced risk ( odds ratio ~0.5 ) of functional limitations or disability .
Limitation in higher level performance outcomes was reduced ( odds ratio ~0.5 ) with vigorous ( or high ) activity with an apparent dose-response of moderate through to high activity .
Exercise training interventions ( including aerobic and resistance ) of older adults showed improvement in physiological and functional measures , and suggestion of longer-term reduction in incidence of mobility disability .
A relatively high level of physical activity was related to better cognitive function and reduced risk of developing dementia ; however , there were mixed results of the effects of exercise interventions on cognitive function indices .
Conclusions There is a consistency of findings across studies and a range of outcome measures related to functional independence ; regular aerobic activity and short-term exercise programmes confer a reduced risk of functional limitations and disability in older age .
Although a precise characterization of a minimal or effective physical activity dose to maintain functional independence is difficult , it appears moderate to higher levels of activity are effective and there may be a threshold of at least moderate activity for significant outcomes
Background The purpose was to conduct systematic review s of the relationship between physical activity of healthy community-dwelling older ( > 65 years ) adults and outcomes of  functional limitations , disability , or loss of independence .
The benefits of exercise in postmenopausal women.
Physical exercise is commonly promoted as a panacea . However many of the cl aim ed benefits , in particular any positive effects on bone density , have not been scientifically proved . We assessed the effects of a twice-weekly aerobic weight-bearing exercise program on bone density in postmenopausal women . We tested bone density at the spine and hip in 19 exercisers with a mean age of 66.4 years ( SEM + /- 1.2 ) before and after a two-year exercise program , and in 11 controls , mean age 65.4 years ( SEM + /- 1.5 ) . We also assessed risk factors for cardiovascular disease and tested wellbeing and cognitive function . The mean percentage change in lumbar bone mineral density was -0.8 in exercisers and -3.8 in controls ( difference 3.0 per cent ; 95 per cent confidence interval ( CI ) 0.3 to 5.7 per cent ; P = 0.031 ) . The mean percentage change in trochanteric bone mineral concentration was + 9.6 in exercisers and -4.4 in controls ( difference 14.0 per cent ; CI 4.6 to 23.5 ; P = 0.0049 ) . The exercisers also had significantly higher wellbeing and diastolic blood pressure . This study adds strong evidence that twice-weekly weight-bearing aerobic exercise has a protective effect on bone density  in postmenopausal women as well as being associated with other measurable benefits
Greater physical activity of an aerobic nature ( categorized by a variety of methods ) was associated with higher functional status ( expressed by a host of outcome measures ) in older age .
For functional independence , moderate ( and high ) levels of physical activity appeared effective in conferring a reduced risk ( odds ratio ~0.5 ) of functional limitations or disability .
Limitation in higher level performance outcomes was reduced ( odds ratio ~0.5 ) with vigorous ( or high ) activity with an apparent dose-response of moderate through to high activity .
Exercise training interventions ( including aerobic and resistance ) of older adults showed improvement in physiological and functional measures , and suggestion of longer-term reduction in incidence of mobility disability .
A relatively high level of physical activity was related to better cognitive function and reduced risk of developing dementia ; however , there were mixed results of the effects of exercise interventions on cognitive function indices .
Conclusions There is a consistency of findings across studies and a range of outcome measures related to functional independence ; regular aerobic activity and short-term exercise programmes confer a reduced risk of functional limitations and disability in older age .
Although a precise characterization of a minimal or effective physical activity dose to maintain functional independence is difficult , it appears moderate to higher levels of activity are effective and there may be a threshold of at least moderate activity for significant outcomes
Background The purpose was to conduct systematic review s of the relationship between physical activity of healthy community-dwelling older ( > 65 years ) adults and outcomes of  functional limitations , disability , or loss of independence .