[Physical activity and health in the elderly--walk on!]

The Norwegian population has become less physically active during the last 20-30 years, mainly because everyday life has become more sedentary. Physical activity declines with age after 60 years of age, especially in women. Thus, physical inactivity ("the disuse syndrome") is an important challenge for public health, especially among the elderly.

This article is based on reports published on exercise and health during the last five years. However, a systematic and complete search is not made, nor a formal meta-analysis. The method is a critical, but qualitative evaluation.

Many epidemiological studies indicate that physical inactivity almost doubles the risk for total annual mortality, for coronary disease, for diabetes in the elderly, and for cancer of the colon. Furthermore, it increases the risk of physical dysfunction and dependency. Physical activity improves health and functioning and becomes more important with age.

Physical activity reduces disease and improves health and functioning. The recommendation is simple: Walk for at least 30 minutes every day. The challenge is to motivate patients and the population at large to do so. There is evidence that doctors' advice is important.