Report will share evidence-based strategies to increase physical activity among older adults
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a report presenting evidence-based interventions to support physical activity in adults aged 65 and older.
By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older. More than 85 percent of older adults currently suffer from at least one chronic health condition. The growing population of older adults can gain substantial health benefits and prevent or manage chronic diseases from engaging in physical activity.
THE Midterm Report on Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults extends the work of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and provides details on how to help older adults achieve the recommended 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity and 2 days of muscle-strengthening physical activity each week.
“The immediate and long-term health benefits of regular physical activity are well documented. That’s why it’s so important that all Americans, including older Americans, stay physically active,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to improving the health of all Americans, regardless of age. This report will help us support older people in their physically active lives.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the federal government’s leading authoritative voice for evidence-based advice on the physical activity, fitness, and health of Americans, are reviewed by experts all the five years to evaluate a specific topic of importance. This iteration focuses on adults aged 65 and older.
“The mindset that physical activity is an individual responsibility is changing, and progress toward ensuring all Americans have the opportunity to be physically active requires a united effort. Everyone has a role to play,” said Admiral Rachel Levine, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health. “THE Mid-term report lays the foundation for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach to making physical activity an easy and enjoyable choice for older adults.
THE Mid-term report identifies strategies that policymakers, exercise and health professionals, clinicians, gerontologists, built environment professionals, local, state, territorial, and tribal leaders, and others working with older people, can be used in key contexts to increase physical activity. This reinforces the message that physical activity can begin or resume at any age. Collaboration among these professionals is essential in planning and implementing these strategies to provide safe opportunities for older adults to be physically active.
You can read the full Mid-term report on Health.gov. For more information on the guidelines and supporting materials, please visit https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines.
Move Your Way® resources for suppliers And the elderly are also available to support the activities listed in the Mid-term report. Move Your Way® is the Guidelines’ promotional campaign.
THE HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion encourages all Americans to lead healthy, active lives. We achieve this by establishing and promoting national public health priorities, translating science into policies, guidance and tools, and working to improve health literacy and equitable access to clear, actionable health information. .
