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 .
Successful aging: predictors and associated activities.
Six-year predictors of successful aging were analyzed for 356 Alameda County Study men and women aged 65 - 95 years measured prospect ively in 1984 and followed to 1990 . Successful aging was defined as needing no assistance nor having difficulty on any of 13 activity/mobility measures plus little or no difficulty on five physical performance measures . After adjusting for baseline successful aging , sex , and age , the authors found that 1984 predictors of 1990 successful aging included income above the lowest quintile ( odds ratio ( OR ) = 2.01 , 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) 0.99 - 4.11 ) , > or = 12 years of education ( OR = 1.67 , 95 % CI 0.98 - 2.84 ) , white ethnicity ( OR = 2.12 , 95 % CI 0.93 - 4.86 ) , diabetes ( OR = 0.10 , 95 % CI 0.01 - 0.79 ) , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( OR = 0.41 , 95 % CI 0.17 - 0.97 ) , arthritis ( OR = 0.43 , 95 % CI 0.26 - 0.71 ) , and hearing problems ( OR = 0.48 , 95 % CI 0.25 - 0.89 ) . Adjusting for all variables , the authors found that behavioral and psychosocial predictors included the absence of depression ( OR = 1.94 , 95 % CI 1.10 - 3.42 ) , having close personal contacts ( OR = 1.82 , 95 % CI 1.05 - 3.18 ) , and often walks for exercise ( OR = 1.77 , 95 % CI 1.00 - 3.12 ) . Cross-sectional comparisons at follow-up revealed significantly higher community involvement , physical activity , and mental health for those aging successfully
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 .