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 moderate and low intensity long-term exercise by older adults.
The goal was to determine the existence of differential effects of long-term moderate- or low-intensity exercise on selected bio-behavioral variables in 72 community-dwelling persons over 60 years of age . After screening , subjects were r and omly assigned to a moderate ( n = 39 , 60 - 70 % heart rate reserve [ HRR ] ) or low ( n = 33 , 30 - 40 % HRR ) intensity exercise protocol . Both groups exercised three times per week for 9 months and dependent measures were taken at baseline , 4.5 months and after 9 months . Repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparisons constituted the analysis approach . Moderate exercise showed no superiority over low-intensity exercise ; both groups improved about equally . Variables that significantly improved included : self-reported sleep ( sleep quantity and dream recall ) , mental status ( attention/concentration , short-term memory and higher cognitive functioning ) , health perceptions ( health outlook , health worry , rejection of the sick role ) , and cardiovascular fitness indicators ( submaximum stress test heart rate , maximum oxygen consumption ( VO2max ) , maximum work capacity and maximum exercise time ) . Similarity of outcomes in both groups may mean that the moderate exercise protocol was too conservative . Conversely , the findings may indicate that lower levels of exercise , which may be safer and more feasible over time , do improve fitness levels , prolong independent functioning , and promote positive perceptions of well-being in older adults
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 .