Overall , the current literature supports clearly the dose-response relationship between physical activity and the seven chronic conditions identified .
Moreover , higher levels of physical activity reduce the risk for premature all-cause mortality .
The current Canadian guidelines appear to be appropriate to reduce the risk for the seven chronic conditions identified above and all-cause mortality
This systematic review examines critically the scientific basis for Canada 's Physical Activity Guide for Healthy Active Living for adults .
Particular reference is given to the dose-response relationship between physical activity and premature all-cause mortality and seven chronic diseases ( cardiovascular disease , stroke , hypertension , colon cancer , breast cancer , type 2 diabetes ( diabetes mellitus ) and osteoporosis ) .
The strength of the relationship between physical activity and specific health outcomes is evaluated critically .
Frequent and occasional physical activity in the elderly: a 12-year follow-up study of mortality.
BACKGROUND The positive health effects of physical activity are well known . However , there are few studies of the association between different levels of physical activity and all-cause mortality among elderly people . METHODS A national r and om sample of 3206 women and men aged > /=65 were interviewed in 1988 and 1989 and followed until December 31 , 2000 , for all-cause mortality .  Cox regression was used to analyze the association between five different levels of physical activity and all-cause mortality , after adjustment for gender , age , education , smoking habits , body mass index , diabetes , hypertension , and self-rated health . All analyses were conducted in 2003 . RESULTS For elderly people who were physically active occasionally , the risk of all-cause mortality was 28 % lower than for those who were physically inactive ( hazard ratio [HR]=0.72 ; confidence interval [CI]=0.64 - 0.81 ) , after adjustment for all explanatory variables . For those who were physically active once a week , the risk of all-cause mortality was 40 % lower than for those who were physically inactive ( HR=0.60 ; CI=0.50 - 0.71 ) . For those who were physically active more frequently , the reduction in all-cause mortality risk was about the same as for those who were physically active once a week . Diabetes , hypertension , and daily smoking were , as expected , significant risk factors for all-cause mortality . CONCLUSIONS Physical activity , even occasionally , decreases the risk of all-cause mortality among elderly people . Preventive re sources among the elderly should include moderate exercise such as walking
Overall , the current literature supports clearly the dose-response relationship between physical activity and the seven chronic conditions identified .
Moreover , higher levels of physical activity reduce the risk for premature all-cause mortality .
The current Canadian guidelines appear to be appropriate to reduce the risk for the seven chronic conditions identified above and all-cause mortality
This systematic review examines critically the scientific basis for Canada 's Physical Activity Guide for Healthy Active Living for adults .
Particular reference is given to the dose-response relationship between physical activity and premature all-cause mortality and seven chronic diseases ( cardiovascular disease , stroke , hypertension , colon cancer , breast cancer , type 2 diabetes ( diabetes mellitus ) and osteoporosis ) .
The strength of the relationship between physical activity and specific health outcomes is evaluated critically .