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 .
Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease: a prospective analysis from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging.
A prospect i ve analysis of risk factors for Alzheimer 's disease was a major objective of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging , a nationwide , population -based study . Of 6,434 eligible subjects aged 65 years or older in 1991 , 4,615 were alive in 1996 and participated in the follow-up study . All participants were cognitively normal in 1991 when they completed a risk factor question naire . Their cognitive status was reassessed 5 years later by using a similar two-phase procedure , including a screening interview , followed by a clinical examination when indicated . The analysis included 194 Alzheimer 's disease cases and 3,894 cognitively normal controls . Increasing age , fewer years of education , and the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele were significantly associated with increased risk of Alzheimer 's disease . Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs  ,  wine consumption , coffee consumption  , and  regular physical activity  were associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer 's disease . No statistically significant association was found for family history of dementia , sex , history of depression , estrogen replacement therapy , head trauma , antiperspirant or antacid use , smoking , high blood pressure , heart disease , or stroke . The protective associations warrant further study . In particular , regular physical activity could be an important component of a preventive strategy against Alzheimer 's disease and many other conditions
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 .