Exercise and the onset of disability in later life

Citation

Hunt K, Adamson J, Ebrahim S & Mutrie N (2010) Exercise and the onset of disability in later life. Journal of Aging and Health, 22 (6), pp. 734-747. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264310374753

Abstract
Objective: This study was to examine whether overall physical activity levels, and different types of earlier sporting activities, are associated with the onset of locomotor disability in early older age. Method: A longitudinal analysis of a general population cohort of British men and women born in the early 1930s was conducted. Results: Measures of overall activity levels at age 58 did not show a relationship with locomotor disability 5-6 years later. Swimming was the only sporting activity to show any strong evidence of a protective association with later locomotor disability. Discussion: The promotion of swimming in adulthood could play a role in the prevention of locomotor disability and aid peoples ability to follow active living health promotion guidelines in late mid-life and early old-age.

Keywords
exercise; swimming; aged; disability

Journal
Journal of Aging and Health: Volume 22, Issue 6

People

Professor Kate Hunt

Professor, Institute for Social Marketing