Relationship of Changes in Physical Activity and Mortality Among Older Women

Abstract

Physically active lifestyles have been consistently related to reduced mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, physical disability, and certain cancers.^1-9 Although primarily observed in middle-aged male populations,^1-4 these benefits have also been demonstrated among older men and women.^10-16 Additional studies have shown that persons who increase their physical activity or fitness levels over time reduce their risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.^17-21 However, these studies of changes in physical activity have mostly examined middle-aged populations and men, and the single study that examined the relationship between changes in physical activity and mortality among older women did not find a reduced mortality risk among women who increased their physical activity levels.²¹ Thus, it remains unclear whether adoption of a physically active lifestyle by previously sedentary older women—particularly those with chronic conditions such as CVD, diabetes, and physical frailty—leads to similar benefits. Since more than one third of older adults are sedentary²² and most of them have 1 or more chronic conditions,²³ the effects of changes in physical activity on mortality for this segment of the population have important public health implications.