A Literature Review of Evidence on Physical Activity for Older People and a Review of Existing Physical Activity Guidelines for Older People

Consistent with worldwide trends, the population of New Zealand is ageing. Based on the 2006 Census data, the New Zealand population aged over 65 years at the end of 2006 was 519,940 (12% of the total population) (Ministry of Social Development 2007). It has been estimated that the older adult cohort is projected to increase to 25% of the total population by 2051 (Dunstan et al 2006). Along with the ageing population come challenges in maintaining health and wellbeing. An important key to healthy ageing is the maintenance of a physically active lifestyle. Physical inactivity has both direct and indirect costs to the health of a population, with evidence showing graded health benefits of physical activity for reducing of a range of non-communicable diseases (US Surgeon General 1996). The phrase ”žolder people”Ÿ, as used in this report, refers to people over the age of 65 years. This report examines the evidence since 2004 on the benefits and risks of physical activity, as well as the risks of inactivity. It draws conclusions from the evidence as to what the most effective types of physical activity are for older people and does this from the perspective of both preventing the onset of chronic conditions and also the management of those conditions. The report addresses the enablers and barriers to participation in physical activity for older people; and examines specific issues (especially with regard to safety) and cultural considerations for New Zealand older people. It also examines the existing evidence from international guidelines and policies on physical activity for older people.