Adherence to Exercise Programs in Older Adults: Informative Report

This informative report focuses on filling information gaps regarding adherence to physical activity and exercise in the health care spectrum of older adults (OA) and an overview of the benefits of physical activity for OA. Healthy People 2000, 2010, and 2020 are public health programs from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that set national goals and objectives for promoting health and preventing disease. The programs include 10 leading health indicators that reflect major health problems, which concern OA. Exercise and physical activity are among the most important factors affecting health and longevity, but exercise adherence is a significant hindrance in achieving health goals in the OA. Exercise adherence in OA is a multifactorial problem encompassing many biopsychosocial factors. Factors affecting adherence in the OA include socioeconomic status, education level, living arrangements, health status, pacemakers, physical fitness, and depression. Improving adherence could have a significant impact on longevity, quality of life, and health care costs.