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 .
Effects of a physical activity intervention on measures of physical performance: Results of the lifestyle interventions and independence for Elders Pilot (LIFE-P) study.
BACKGROUND The Short Physical Performance Battery ( SPPB ) , which includes walking , balance , and chair st and s tests , independently predicts mobility disability and activities of daily living disability . To date , however , there is no definitive evidence from r and omized controlled trials that SPPB scores can be improved . Our objective was to assess the effect of a comprehensive physical activity ( PA ) intervention on the SPPB and other physical performance measures . METHODS A total of 424 sedentary persons at risk for disability ( ages 70 - 89 years ) were r and omized to a moderate-intensity PA intervention or a successful aging ( SA ) health education intervention and were followed for an average of 1.2 years . RESULTS The mean baseline SPPB score on a scale of 0 - 12 , with 12 corresponding to highest performance , was 7.5 . At 6 and 12 months , the PA versus SA group adjusted SPPB ( + /- st and ard error ) scores were 8.7 + /- 0.1 versus 8.0 + /- 0.1 , and 8.5 + /- 0.1 versus 7.9 + /- 0.2 , respectively ( p < .001 ) . The 400-meter walking speed was also significantly improved in the PA group . The PA group had a lower incidence of major mobility disability defined as incapacity to complete a 400-meter walk ( hazard ratio = 0.71 , 95 % confidence interval = 0.44 - 1.20 ) . CONCLUSIONS A structured PA intervention improved the SPPB score and other measures of physical performance . An intervention that improves the SPPB performance may also offer benefit on more distal health outcomes , such as mobility disability
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 .