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 effect of strength and endurance training on gait, balance, fall risk, and health services use in community-living older adults.
BACKGROUND The study tested the effect of strength and endurance training on gait , balance , physical health status , fall risk , and  health services use in older adults . METHODS The study was a single-blinded , r and omized controlled trial with intention-to-treat analysis . Adults ( n = 105 ) age 68 - 85 with at least mild deficits in strength and balance were selected from a r and om sample of enrollees in a health maintenance organization . The intervention was supervised exercise ( 1-h sessions , three per week , for 24 - 26 weeks ) , followed by self-supervised exercise . Exercise groups included strength training using weight machines ( n = 25 ) , endurance training using bicycles ( n = 25 ) , and strength and endurance training ( n = 25 ) . Study outcomes included gait tests , balance tests , physical health status measures , self-reported falls ( up to 25 months of follow-up ) , and inpatient and outpatient use and costs . RESULTS There were no effects of exercise on gait , balance , or physical health status . Exercise had a protective effect on risk of falling ( relative hazard = .53 , 95 % CI = .30-.91 ) . Between 7 and 18 months after r and omization , control subjects had more outpatient clinic visits ( p < .06 ) and were more likely to sustain hospital costs over $ 5000 ( p < .05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Exercise may have beneficial effects on fall rates and health care use in some subgroups of older adults . In community-living adults with mainly mild impairments in gait , balance , and physical health status , short-term exercise may not have a restorative effect on these impairments
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 .