The expected social and economic changes will have a staggering impact on health care. Now is the time to invest in research and education related to aging and prevention and to initiate health care programs to reduce the cost of treating disease and maintaining older adults in long-term care. There is also a susceptibility to chronic diseases that accelerates the loss of independence and quality of life. Physical inactivity is a proven risk factor. Further, laboratory research has shown that exercise programs are effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness, strength and flexibility in older men and women, including the frail.
Exercise can prevent losses in physical function and allow older adults to maintain independence.
Exercise programs with the frail elderly can restore functional abilities and improve quality of life and can be integrated into long-term care and home support programming. Further research is essential to define the types of exercise and dose needed to prevent various diseases and to maintain functional abilities into very old age. Communication, between research scientists and those charged with developing policy and delivering programs, is essential. This National forum has shared research and program ideas. As new knowledge of exercise and aging emerges in the world literature it will be important to translate this research into viable policy and programs.