Chapter 3

Physical Activity Programs for Elders

Alexandrina Lobo

Abstract

Basing our argument on the Current health-related physical activity (PA) guidelines, elders are encouraged to accumulate minimum 60 minutes per day of moderate or vigorous PA for a healthy life style [1]. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) [2] and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [3] recommend a target intensity of 50-85% of oxygen uptake reserve [4], that range includes at least 30 min per day of moderate-intensity activity, in bouts of at least 10 min each; or continuous activity for minimum 20 min 3 days per week [1]. Although, the United States Surgeon General recommends daily regular exercise, many elders do not adhere to this recommendation, thus do not exercise [5, 6]. These observations with regards to moderate PA, suggest that it is necessary that the elderly spend their leisure time more actively. Current recommendations have recognized that a combination of aerobic activity, strength training and flexibility exercises is important for maintaining physical function in elders [7, 8]

Total Pages: 21-30 (10)

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