Physical Activity in Older Adults

As North Carolinians get older, participation in physical activity declines with age. Less than 40 percent of North Carolina’s older adults, ages 65 years or older, participate in the recommended amount of physical activity each week. (2008 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey). It is never too late to start being physically active. Older adults can gain significant health benefits from doing 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week.  

Benefits of Physical Activity in Older Adults

  • Helps older adults to continue to live independently and reduces the risk of falling and fracturing bones.
  • Participation in regular physical activity is associated with high quality of life among older adults.
  • Reduces the risk of death from coronary heart disease and development of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer.
  • Physical activity has been shown to moderately improve cognitive function in older adults.
  • Helps improve stamina and increase muscle strength, especially among individuals with chronic, disabling conditions.
  • Moderate-intensity aerobic, muscle-strengthening and bone strengthening physical activity help to slow bone density loss that occurs with age.
  • Improves ability to manage pain and control joint swelling associated with arthritis.

Learn more about physical activity guidelines and benefits for older adults.  If you’re an older adult  interested in becoming physically active, restarting a lapsed exercise regimen or getting more benefit from your current exercise program, review The National Institute on Aging’s Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults.

Older adults who have concerns about falling or who restrict their activities because of concerns about falling, can benefit from A Matter of Balance. The program emphasizes practical strategies to reduce these fears and increase activity levels.

Contact Lesley Richmond for more information about starting older adult physical activity program within your organization or community.