Exercise at midlife: how and why to prescribe it for sedentary patients

Moderate exercise for middle-aged and older adults is emerging as an important adjuvant to the treatment of many diseases. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, insomnia, deconditioning, and (to a degree) obesity. A recent report from the United States Surgeon General recommends that most adults exercise most if not all days of the week, accumulating 180 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly. If your patients have been previously sedentary, encourage them to start a slow, stepwise exercise program. Ongoing support, encouragement, and follow-up can help them commit to and maintain a program of regular exercise.