The benefits of physical activity for older people
: Koster A., Stenholm S., Schrack J.
: Samuel R. Nyman, Anna Barker, Terry Haines, Khim Horton, Charles Musselwhite, Geeske Peeters, Christina R. Victor, Julia Katharina Wolff
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
: 2018
: The Palgrave Handbook of Ageing and Physical Activity Promotion
: The Palgrave Handbook of Ageing and Physical Activity Promotion
: 43
: 60
: 978-3-319-71290-1
: 978-3-319-71291-8
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71291-8_3
Physical activity has important health benefits in old age. This chapter
demonstrates that engaging in physical activity lowers mortality risk
and reduces the risk of major non-communicable diseases including
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders,
different types of cancer, and obesity. Moreover, physical activity has
been associated with better sleep, more favourable mental health, better
cognitive function and is important for lowering the risk of functional
limitations and disability. Promoting physical activity is therefore an
important target to maintain and improve health and functioning in old
age.
