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 impact of nutritional supplementation and resistance training on the health functioning of free-living Chilean elders: results of 18 months of follow-up.
Body composition changes and loss of functionality in the elderly are related to subst and ard diets and progressive sedentariness . The aim of this study was to assess the impact of an 18-mo nutritional supplementation and resistance training program on health functioning of elders . Healthy elders aged > or = 70 y were studied . Half of the subjects received a nutritional supplement . Half of the supplemented and nonsupplemented subjects were r and omly assigned to a resistance exercise training program . Every 6 mo , a full assessment was performed . A total of 149 subjects were considered eligible for the study and 98 ( 31 supplemented and trained , 26 supplemented , 16 trained and 25 without supplementation or training ) completed 18 mo of follow-up .  Compliance with the supplement was 48 % , and trained subjects attended 56 % of programmed sessions . Activities of daily living remained constant in the supplemented subjects and decreased in the other groups . Body weight and fat-free mass did not change . Fat mass increased from 22.2 + /- 7.6 to 24.1 + /- 7.7 kg in all groups . Bone mineral density decreased less in both supplemented groups than in the nonsupplemented groups ( ANOVA , P < 0.01 ) . Serum cholesterol remained constant in both supplemented groups and in the trained groups , but it increased in the control group ( ANOVA , P < 0.05 ) . Upper and lower limb strength , walking capacity and maximal inspiratory pressure increased in trained subjects . In conclusion , patients who were receiving nutritional supplementation and resistance training  maintained functionality , bone mineral density and serum cholesterol levels and improved their muscle strength
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 .