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 .
Effect of strength and power training on physical function in community-dwelling older adults.
BACKGROUND The performance of daily tasks , such as stair climbing or lifting an object , requires both muscle strength and power . Age-associated reductions in strength and power can affect an older adult 's ability to complete daily tasks such as stair climbing and lifting a child . METHODS The purpose s of this study were to determine whether power training was more efficacious than strength training for improving whole-body physical function in older adults and to examine the relationship between changes in anaerobic power and muscle strength and changes in physical function . Thirty-nine men and women ( mean age + /- SD = 72.5 + /- 6.3 years ) with below-average leg extensor power were r and omly assigned to control ( C , n = 15 ) , strength-training ( ST , n = 13 ) or power-training ( PT , n = 11 ) groups . The ST and PT groups met 3 days per week for 16 weeks ; the C group maintained usual activity and attended three lectures during the course of the study . Primary outcome measures included the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance test , maximal strength , and anaerobic power . RESULTS After baseline was controlled for , the Continuous Scale Physical Functional Performance test total score was significantly greater for the PT group than for the ST ( p = .033 ) and C ( p = .016 ) groups . Maximal strength was significantly greater for the ST group than for the C group ( p = .015 ) after the intervention . There was no significant difference between groups for peak anaerobic power . CONCLUSIONS Power training was more effective than strength training for improving physical function in community-dwelling 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 .