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 relationship among physical activity, obesity, and physical function in community-dwelling older women.
BACKGROUND The relationship between obesity and physical function is not well understood . Physical activity may be a key factor impacting on the relationship between obesity and physical function . METHODS Subjects included 171 community-dwelling women ( mean age = 74.3 , SD = 4.3 ) participating in a 14-year follow-up study to a walking intervention trial .  Measures of obesity [ body mass index ( BMI ) ] and physical activity ( Modified Paffenbarger Question naire ) were collected in 1982 , 1985 , 1995 , and 1999 . Physical function was assessed in 1999 using the Functional Status Question naire ( FSQ ) and gait speed . RESULTS Measures of obesity from 1982 to 1995 and measures of physical activity from 1982 to 1995 were related to physical function in 1999 . However , hierarchical regression analysis to predict physical function in 1999 controlling for the presence of chronic conditions indicated that physical activity from 1982 to 1995 , and not obesity from 1982 to 1995 , was an independent predictor of physical function ( FSQ : adjusted R2 = 0.09 , F = 4.68 , P < 0.001 ; gait speed : adjusted R2 = 18.0 , F = 9.41 , P < 0.0001 . CONCLUSION  Physical activity  appears to be as important if not more important than body weight in predicting future physical function
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 .