Sedentary Habits, Health, and Function in Older Women and Men

Abstract

Active and fit individuals were at much lower risk for morbidity, mortality, and loss of function when compared with sedentary and unfit persons. Data from the studies generally conformed to a steep inverse dose-response gradient across activity or fitness categories. Results were consistent, temporally appropriate, strong, and graded, and therefore support a causal hypothesis that a fit and active way of life improves health and function in older individuals.

Correlates of sport participation among community-dwelling elderly people in Germany: a cross-sectional study

“…Due to the cross-sectional character of the study, no conclusions on any causality or the direction of the causality between participation in sporting activities and health status can be drawn. On the one hand, there is evidence that a fit and active way of life improves and preserves health and function in older individuals [5]. On the other hand, limited health is known to be the most important barrier to sport participation in elderly people [12,26,34].…”

Physical activity levels among the general US adult population and in adults with and without arthritis

“…First, there is a need to get the inactive persons with arthritis moving, preferably at recommended levels, but at least into the insufficient activity category. Even though the ultimate goal is for all adults to exercise at levels that develop and maintain cardiorespiratory fitness (2,3), scientific evidence suggests that significant health benefits can be achieved by moving people from inactive to active (1). Furthermore, exercise need not be vigorous to improve health; even moderate daily activity can lower blood pressure, improve blood lipid and glucose profiles, and improve mental health (3).…”

“…The health effects of regular physical activity (PA) are well established and include decreased mortality and morbidity related to several common chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, as well as contributing to improved mental health, physical functioning, and weight control (1)(2)(3). Despite this, US adults continue to get inadequate PA (4).…”

The Importance of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the United States: The Need for a National Registry

“…43,44 Frailty is usually quantified by the degree of impairment in functional reserve across multiple organ systems and is often associated with fatigue, reduced muscle strength, and high susceptibility to disease. 45 Elderly individuals who are relatively fit or physically active have a significantly lower risk of functional loss during follow-up periods ranging from 5 to 30 years, [46][47][48] and among more active individuals, disability is delayed and compressed into fewer years at end of life. 48 Frailty status, determined by a composite criterion that includes walking speed, grip strength, low PA level, weight loss, and fatigue, is inversely related to CRF and other physiological responses to exercise.…”