Exercise, Health and Well-Being in Older Australians

Abstract

Exercise can be an effective medicine for many of the health problems of older Australians. Although older adults are the major consumers of health care services they are among the most physically unfit of our community and represent the group least likely to exercise. Exercise has substantial physical and psychological benefits for older people, particularly older women. A review of the literature has indicated that older people are deterred from exercise activities by environmental barriers (poor weather, lack of appropriate facilities), personal beliefs (inaccurate perceptions about their needs or abilities to exercise), and health obstacles (fear of injury, discomfort from conditions such as arthritis). The limited research on why older Australians exercise has suggested that motives such as 'to improve my fitness', 'to get exercise', 'to be fit' and 'I like the company' are likely to be rated highly. Encouraging older people to exercise has clear advantages, not only to the health and wellbeing of the individual, but also, to the community through possible savings to the health care system, and the contributions of older people.