Risk Due to Inactivity in Physically Capable Older Adults

Overview

Journal Am J Public Health

Specialty Public Health

Date 1993 Oct 1

PMID 8214236

Citations 47

Authors

E M Simonsick

M E Lafferty

C L Phillips

C F Mendes de Leon

S V Kasl

T E Seeman

G Fillenbaum

P Hebert

J H Lemke

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the association between recreational physical activity among physically capable older adults and functional status, incidence of selected chronic conditions, and mortality over 3 and 6 years.

Methods: Data are from three sites of the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly.

Results: A high level of recreational physical activity reduced the likelihood of mortality over both 3 and 6 years. Moderate to high activity reduced the risk of physical impairments over 3 years; this effect diminishes after 6 years. A consistent relationship between activity and new myocardial infarction or stroke or the incidence of diabetes or angina was not found after 3 or 6 years.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that physical activity offers benefits to physically capable older adults, primarily in reducing the risk of functional decline and mortality. Future work must use more objective and quantifiable measures of activity and assess changes in activity levels over time.

Citing Articles

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Investigation of the role of sleep and physical activity for chronic disease prevalence and incidence in older Irish adults.

Hernandez B, Scarlett S, Moriarty F, Romero-Ortuno R, Kenny R, Reilly R BMC Public Health. 2022; 22(1):1711.

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Usefulness of Self-Reported Physical Activity and Clinical Outcomes in Older Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

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Physical activity programs for balance and fall prevention in elderly: A systematic review.

Thomas E, Battaglia G, Patti A, Brusa J, Leonardi V, Palma A Medicine (Baltimore). 2019; 98(27):e16218.

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Attenuation of Adverse Effects of Aging on Skeletal Muscle by Regular Exercise and Nutritional Support.

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