Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults

Exercise has an astounding array of benefits for older adults for prevention and treatment of conditions and diseases frequently occurring in late life. Some benefits are well-known, such as for cardiovascular health, hypertension, and weight control. Others, such as positive effects on activities of daily living, sleep, cognition, cancer survival, and frailty are less recognized by health care professionals and older persons alike. Increased daily physical activities and targeted exercise routines are as effective or more effective than medications, for some conditions, and far safer. Maintaining physical and cognitive function, which older adults consider important for successful aging and a high quality of life, requires a fundamental focus on exercise.