Motivating frail older adults to be physically active by Barbara Resnick, PhD, CRNP, and Marcia G. Ory, PhD, MPH

Aging adults who engage in regular physical activity increase the likelihood they will extend years of active independent life, reduce disability, and improve quality of life in midlife and beyond. Activities can include such things as walking, household or personal care activities, as well as structured exercise classes. Unfortunately, most older adults are inactive. There is, however, greater awareness in North America of the benefits associated with physical activity in later life. This is demonstrated by the many news reports on the topic, the development of age-specific exercise programs, and the growing number of fitness or wellness centers in such settings as retirement communities.