Prescribing physical activity for older patients.
Regular exercise is an effective nonpharmacologic therapy for stress, sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety, as well as such chronic conditions of aging as hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and constipation. Pre-exercise office assessment of cardiac risk, possible limitations, and contraindications is advised. A balanced fitness training program includes activities to increase flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. The most effective exercise prescription begins with a type of aerobic activity the patient enjoys. A prescribed schedule of stepwise increments in frequency, duration, and intensity gradually leads to a maintenance level of fitness.
Kligman
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Department of Family and Community Medicine, Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson.
Pepin
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D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D055656:Prescriptions / Q000592:standards