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 .
A community-based walking trial to improve neighborhood quality of life in older adults: a multilevel analysis
Background : Few studies have considered the neighborhood as a context in which to examine the physical activity and quality of life relationship . Purpose : The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of a neighborhood walking program on  quality of life among older adults . It was design ed as a r and omized trial involving a multilevel design with neighborhoods corresponding to primary sampling units and residents to secondary units . Methods : Five hundred eighty-two communitydwelling senior residents ( 65 years of age or older ) in neighborhoods in the northeast metropolitan area of Portl and , Oregon , were recruited through telephone , direct mail , and referrals . The walking intervention was delivered at the neighborhood level . Neighborhoods ( N = 56 ) were r and omly assigned to a 6-month , 3 times per week , leader-led walking group activity ( n = 28 ) or an information-only control group ( n = 28 ) . Primary outcome measures included SF-12 ( Physical , Mental summary scores ) and life satisfaction ( SWLS ) ; the secondary outcome measure was neighborhood walking activity , assessed at baseline , 3 months , and 6 months of the study period . Results : Compared to the control neighborhoods , results from multilevel , longitudinal analyses indicated significant improvements in the primary outcomes of SF-12 Physical ( p < .05 ) , SF-12 Mental ( p < .05 ) summary scores , and SWLS ( p < .05 ) , over the course of the 6-month intervention . A significant increase was also observed in the secondary outcome of walking activity ( p < .05 ) . Conclusions : Implementing a neighborhood-based walking program of low to moderate intensity is feasible and beneficial for promoting quality of life among senior residents at a community level
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 .