Regular activity improves a person's overall health and enhances quality of life. Training studies in people 85 years and older suggest no age limit to muscle trainabilty. In spite of evidence that shows regular physical activity has many benefits, a majority of older men and women remain very inactive. Despite the fitness boom of the last 25 years, America remains a largely sedentary society.
Regular activity declines significantly in the older age groups.
However, for the majority of older adults, physical activity is not only beneficial, but safe. A physical evaluation is a critical component to a safe and beneficial exercise program. The goal is to identify those individuals who should not engage in a moderate exercise program, identify medical conditions that require further work up, and gain information to recommend a safe and beneficial regimen. Brisk walking, stationary biking, ballroom dancing, and playing with grandkids are good, but the best exercise is the one that will keep your attention and that you will do for the longest time. Therefore, it is important that you maintain an interest in order to achieve the benefits that physical activity can bring.