The benefits of physical activity and the consequences of physical inactivity in older adults

Abstract

OLDER people who are physically active are at lower risk of developing breast and prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and depression. The findings are contained in a review of all published reviews of studies that assessed the relationship between physical activity and health in adults aged 60 years or older.

The review was carried out by the Institute of Public Health in collaboration with Ulster University and the University of Southern Denmark.

The review, in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, also found that physically active older adults experience healthier ageing, better quality of life, and improved cognitive function.