An examination of the physical activity and physical function relationship in older adults : the 45 and Up Study

Reduced participation in physical activity has been associated with functional decline in older adults. The growing population of older adults is placing unprecedented pressure on health and welfare systems due, in part, to increasing inability of these older adults to perform functional tasks essential for independent living. Further, the increasing rates of non-communicable chronic disease add to functional limitations in this population group. Understanding how physical activity can impact on physical function in older adults is therefore important. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity levels and physical function in older adults.