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 .
Once-weekly resistance exercise improves muscle strength and neuromuscular performance in older adults.
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of frequency of resistive training on gain in muscle strength and neuromuscular performance in healthy older adults . DESIGN A r and omized controlled trial with subjects assigned either to high-intensity resistance training 1 ( EX1 ) , 2 ( EX2 ) , or 3 ( EX3 ) days per week for 24 weeks or to a control group ( CO ) . SETTING An exercise facility at an academic medical center . SUBJECTS Forty-six community-dwelling healthy men ( n = 29 ) and women ( n = 17 ) aged 65 to 79 years . INTERVENTION Progressive resistance training consisting of three sets of eight exercises targeting major muscle groups of the upper and lower body , at 80 % of one-repetition maximum ( 1-RM ) for eight repetitions , either 1 , 2 , or 3 days per week . MEASURES Dynamic muscle strength ( 1-RM ) using isotonic equipment every 4 weeks , bone mineral density and body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry ( DXA ) , and neuromuscular performance by timed chair rise and 6-meter backward t and em walk . RESULTS For each of the eight exercises , muscle strength increased in the exercise groups relative to CO ( P < .01 ) , with no difference among EX1 , EX2 and EX3 groups at any measurement interval . Percent change averaged 3.9 + /- 2.4 ( CO ) , 37.0 + /- 15.2 ( EX1 ) , 41.9 + /- 18.2 ( EX2 ) , and 39.7 + /- 9.8 ( EX3 ) . The time to rise successfully from the chair 5 times decreased significantly ( P < .01 ) at 24 weeks , whereas improvement in the 6-meter backward t and em walk approached significance ( P = .10 ) in the three exercise groups compared with CO . Changes in chair rise ability were correlated to percent changes in quadriceps strength ( r = -0.40 , P < .01 ) and lean mass ( r = -0.40 , P < .01 ) . CONCLUSIONS A program of once or twice weekly resistance exercise achieves muscle strength gains similar to 3 days per week training in older adults and is associated with improved neuromuscular performance . Such improvement could potentially reduce the risk of falls and fracture in older adults
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 .