Centre for Policy on Ageing



A healthy old age — realistic or futile goal?
Author(s)	Marion E T McMurdo
Journal title	British Medical Journal, vol 321, 4 November 2000
Pages	pp 1149-1151
Keywords	Health [elderly] ; Exercise.
Annotation	Although there is a need to consider how to care for the growing number of older people, this aspect has dominated discussion to the virtual exclusion of a search for strategies which might improve their overall health. The author considers misconceptions about and the benefits of exercise. "Couch potatoes" of all ages can benefit from low to moderate intensity exercise. Indeed, regular physical exercise can "rejuvenate" physical capacity by 10-15 years. Maintaining older people's health and minimising their disability should therefore be targeted as much as the care aspects. Research is needed on incentives and opportunities for older people to adopt healthy lifestyles. The article is an edited version of a presentation at the Millennium Festival of Medicine in London, 6-10 November 2000. (RH).
Accession Number	CPA-001116208 A
Classmark	CC: CEA *
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...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.