Archives of Hellenic Medicine

Last update:

01-Feb-2021

Arch Hellen Med, 38(1), January-February 2021, 12-17

REVIEW

Prescription of exercise for older adults. Recommendations for clinical practice

M. Tsekoura,^1,2 S. Stasi,² J. Gliatis,³ V. Sakellari²
¹Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Εgio
²Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica (UniWA), Egaleo, Attica
³Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rio, Patra, Greece

Regular exercise and general daily activity provide substantial health benefits, improve quality of life and increase functionality in older adults. Elderly people often do not benefit fully from exercise prescription, however, because they receive vague or inappropriate instructions. This paper reviews the components of exercise prescription and the approaches to developing appropriate exercise prescription for older persons, which should be multi-component, including aerobic, muscle strengthening, balance and flexibility training. The elderly should be encouraged to participate in therapeutic exercise programs as primary or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of various chronic diseases associated with aging.

Key words: Clinical practice, Exercise, Older adults, Prescription.