Inactivity

If necessary, start out with light-intensity activity that lasts less than 10 minutes, and slowly increase the duration of light-intensity activity and number of days a week the person is active.

Light-intensity walking is a good beginning activity, and moderate-intensity aerobic activity can be added gradually. Engaging in vigorous-intensity activity should initially be avoided to reduce risk of injury.

Functional limitations*

Evidence indicates that regular physical activity is safe and helps improve functional capacity.

Resuming activity after an illness or injury

Sometimes, it is necessary to take a break from regular physical activity because of an illness or injury. If this occurs, physical activity should be resumed at a lower level and progressively increased to the previous level of activity.

Increasing activity for weight loss

Some older adults require more physical activity than others to sustain a healthy body weight.

If needed, the amount of aerobic physical activity should be gradually increased and caloric intake should be reduced to achieve energy balance and a healthy weight.