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International Exercise Recommendations in Older Adults (ICFSR): Expert Consensus Guidelines
M Izquierdo1, R A Merchant, J E Morley
1Mikel Izquierdo, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Av. De Barañain s/n 31008 Pamplona (Navarra) Spain, Tel + 34 948 417876 mikel.izquierdo@gmail.com.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|August 19, 2021
Summary
Regular physical activity (PA) and structured exercise significantly attenuate age-related declines in physical function and prevent chronic diseases in older adults. Exercise is a potent therapeutic agent, optimizing health and functional capacity across the lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Exercise Science
- Integrative physiology of aging
- Preventive and therapeutic exercise interventions
Background:
- Human aging is characterized by universal physiological decline, exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles, leading to reduced muscle function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and independence.
- Physical activity (PA) and structured exercise are crucial in mitigating age-related functional impairments and preventing chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
- Exercise interventions demonstrably improve frailty markers and cognitive function, optimizing functional capacity in older adults.
Framework:
- Exercise is viewed as a therapeutic agent, requiring evidence-based dosing and individualization akin to pharmacological treatments.
- Prescription of PA/structured exercise should align with intended outcomes, including primary prevention, fitness enhancement, or disease treatment.
- Exercise therapy offers a multifaceted approach, often targeting multiple physiological systems simultaneously, unlike single-outcome pharmacological interventions.
Implementation:
- Exercise can serve as an alternative to medication for conditions like depression, supporting deprescribing initiatives.
- For conditions lacking effective drug therapies, such as sarcopenia and dementia, exercise plays a primary role in prevention and treatment.
- This consensus statement provides an evidence-based rationale for exercise and PA in promoting health and managing diseases in older adults.
Implications:
- Exercise prescription guidelines are discussed, detailing modalities and doses proven effective in randomized controlled trials for older adults.
- Recommendations aim to address literature gaps and optimize exercise/PA as both preventative medicine and therapeutic intervention.
- The findings support the integration of tailored exercise programs to enhance healthspan and functional independence in aging populations.
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