journal articles
HOW TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN THE CLINICAL SETTING ?
Philipe de Souto Barreto
Care Weekly 2018;2:4-8
Physical activity (PA) and exercise have been found to be associated with a reduced risk of developing major adverse health events during aging without important side effects. However, PA and exercise counselling in routine clinical care is still rare, particularly in the primary care. This opinion paper synthetizes the scientific evidence on the benefits of PA and exercise during aging in order to guide practitioners to advise/prescribe this healthy behavior. Guidance for sitting time is also provided. A specific focus is performed in a population at particular risk for short-, medium and long-term adverse events: middle-aged adults with obesity. In conclusion, all healthy patients (with or without diseases/conditions) may safely increase their PA levels and exercise. Stratifying patients according to the potential benefits they may obtain from PA and exercise counselling may help health practitioners to optimize their care approach by spending the “right time” with the “right person”.
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