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 disability in older runners: prevalence, risk factors, and progression with age.
BACKGROUND Concern exists that certain types of exercise , particularly vigorous activity , may increase physical disability among older individuals . We investigated the prevalence of , and risk factors for , physical disability in active older persons ( runners ) , and examined factors influencing the progression of physical disability with age . METHODS Physical disability , measured using the  Health Assessment Question naire Disability Index , was assessed prospect ively in 454 runners , age 50 or greater , over five to seven years by annual mailed question naires .  Baseline sociodemographic , clinical , and life-style characteristics associated with the presence of any disability over the course of the study were determined and contrasted with those in 292 older non-runners who had been similarly followed . RESULTS Two hundred twenty-two runners ( 49 % ) reported some physical disability during the study . The presence of arthritis symptoms at baseline was the most important risk factor for physical disability ; older age , greater body mass index , strenuous work-related physical activity , and the use of more medications were also associated with a greater likelihood of physical disability . Among the non-runners , 224 ( 77 % ) reported some physical disability , and the presence of arthritis symptoms was also the most important risk factor for physical disability in this group . Age-related changes in physical disability differed between those with and without arthritis symptoms in both the runner and non-runner groups . CONCLUSIONS The presence of arthritis symptoms was an important risk factor for physical disability among both older runners and non-runners , and also identified subgroups of individuals with different progressions of disability with age
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 .