Risks of Exercise in Older Adults

Risks of exercise in older adults range from the over-stated (running causes knee osteoarthritis—it does not) to the under-appreciated (pickleball has a high risk of injury). Fortunately, the extensive benefits of exercise can be realized by mitigating risks among older adults with existing chronic conditions. While the risk-to-benefit ratio for exercise needs to be considered at the level of the individual, this joint statement from the American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association is highly relevant, “Physicians should not overestimate the risks of exercise because the benefits of habitual physical activity substantially outweigh the risks.”