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 .
Exercise: effects on physical functional performance in independent older adults.
BACKGROUND Age-related loss in physiologic capacities contributes to the decline in physical function in the elderly population . Despite the beneficial effects of exercise interventions on maximal physiologic capacity measures , the functional benefits have not been shown in independently living older adults . The objective of this study was to evaluate exercise in independent older adults for significant and meaningful improvements in physical function , not detected by commonly used measures of physical function . METHODS In a r and omized controlled study , 49 independently living men and women were assigned to either a nonexercise control group ( Control ; n = 26 ) or an exercise training group ( Exercise ; n = 23 ) . Participants ( age = 76+/-4 ) in good general health were recruited from retirement communities or apartments . The combined endurance and strength training was performed at 75 % to 80 % intensity ; the groups met 3 times/week for 6 months of supervised sessions . Outcome measures included physical capacity , health status , and physical function using a newly developed performance test -- the Continuous Scale-Physical Functional Performance test ( CS-PFP ) . RESULTS Compared to the Control group , the Exercise group showed significant increases in maximal oxygen consumption ( 11 % ) and muscle strength ( 33 % ) . No significant differences were found between groups for changes in the Sickness Impact Profile , SF-36 scales , or the 6-minute walk . However , the CS-PFP score improved significantly in the Exercise group ( 14 % , effect size 0.80 ) . CONCLUSIONS Independent older adults gain meaningful functional benefits from several months of exercise training . The public health importance of physical activity may relate not just to its role in preventing decline , but also to its role in enhancing physical function
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 .