The Role of Physical Activity in Health Aging

As the body ages, there is typically an increased risk of disease, disability, and poor health. However, many of the health problems we associate with old age can be reduced through regular exercise. Physical activity (i.e., playing sports, walking, gardening, lifting weights) is an important part of healthy aging as it helps people live independent, productive lives. However, physical activity levels typically decrease with age, which has important consequences for both personal and public health. The goal of this CIHR Café Scientifique is to engage with members of the public around the topic of physical activity in later life. Specific topics that will be covered include the biological and psychological benefits of physical activity with respect to age and emerging areas of aging and activity research. A special emphasis will be placed on exploring barriers and facilitators of an active lifestyle. Through an open discussion with activity and aging researchers and members of the public, we hope to start people thinking and talking about the role of physical activity in healthy aging. Based on the discussion content, we will also generate a document of physical activity concerns and recommendations from the view of the public through which organizations can use to improve physical activity programs and policies.