title: Exercise in the healthy older adult.
abstract: Habitual exercise provides numerous health benefits to the older adult. While dynamic aerobic activities increase stamina and lung capacity, isometric or resistance training improves muscle strength and endurance. Long-term benefits of continued exercise include a decreased risk of death from heart disease, enhanced balance and mobility, a decreased risk of diabetes, and an improvement in depressive symptoms. While the hazards of exercise relate predominantly to extremes of intensity and duration, all older adults should consult with a physician before beginning a new activity program. A prescription for exercise should include both aerobic and resistance training components, and frequent follow-up to improve adherence is highly recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Karani
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Cassel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000572:American Heart Association; D001634:Bibliographies as Topic; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014481:United States