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 .
Physical activity in middle-aged adults reduces risks of functional impairment independent of its effect on weight.
OBJECTIVES To assess the association between physical activity and subsequent physical functioning in middle-aged adults across a range of body mass index ( BMI ) categories . DESIGN Prospect i ve nationally representative cohort studies . SETTING The United States and Engl and . PARTICIPANTS Eight thous and seven hundred two individuals in the United States and 1,507 in Engl and aged 50 to 69 and free of impairment at baseline , followed up for 6 years . MEASUREMENTS Self-reported and measured BMI and self-reported level of physical activity .  Outcome measures were score on a physical performance battery and self-reported mobility impairment . RESULTS In both studies , being overweight and being obese were associated with greater risk of impairment ( than being of recommended weight ) . In all weight categories and both countries , higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower risks of mobility impairment . For example , U.S. respondents of recommended weight ( BMI 20 - 25 ) who were active on 3 or more days per week had a relative risk ( RR ) of incident mobility difficulties , compared with those who were less active , of 0.56 ( 95 % confidence interval (CI)=0.40 - 0.78 ) ; for those who were obese ( BMI > /=30 ) the corresponding RR was 0.59 ( 95 % CI=0.45 - 0.76 ) . CONCLUSION Excess bodyweight is a risk factor for impaired physical function  in middle-aged and older people .  Physical activity is protective of impaired physical functioning in this age group in subjects with recommended weight , overweight , and obesity . Older adults should be encouraged to engage in appropriate levels of physical activity irrespective of their weight
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 .