There is evidence to show that physical activity, typically aerobic activity, improves cognitive function in older adults, particularly in attention and, to some degree, memory. It also helps older people carry out their everyday activities of daily living.
The evidence also suggests that individuals who exercise on a regular basis show improvements in self-esteem. Physical activity also results in reductions in anxiety and depression in older adults.
Do you think aging adults have a misguided perception of what they're capable of?
As individuals age, they lose some ability to do activities that they typically would do when they were younger. People think, "I'm older so I can't do what I used to be able to do." Well, that's not necessarily true. Older adults who improve their levels of physical activity show improvements in perceptions of their strength and overall physical well-being.
How can a previously sedentary person best begin an exercise program and maintain it?
Depending upon age and health, experts typically advise older adults to see their physician first to make sure that the exercise program that they intend to adopt is appropriate. “All of the older adults that come through our exercise interventions have a thorough medical screening and stress tests to rule out any existing disease that might be exacerbated by physical activity,” says McAuley.
