Active aging in the new millennium: the role of regular physical activity

In the twenty first century, traditional models of medical care and disease prevention are likely to be severely challenged by the growing numbers of older adults in both industrialized and developing societies. There is a need to focus increasingly on alternative approaches to health and well being which can assist in the compression of the period of morbidity which all to often accompanies advancing age. There is now compelling evidence that regular physical activity is associated with significant physiological, psychological and social benefits in older adult populations. The appropriate physical activity can benefit the vast majority of older adults. The notion of a "health-fitness continuum" ranging from the physically fit and healthy at one end of the continuum to the frail, infirm, and dependent at the opposite end will be introduced in this paper. Specific strategies for employing physical activity to improve overall health and well being across the health-fitness continuum are discussed. There is a compelling need for the development of integrated activity programs for seniors which focus not only on physical activity, but also attempt to address the intellectual, social, and spiritual needs of older persons using a more holistic approach than is commonly used at present.