Traditional Guidelines for Physical Activity (Cont'd)

Frequency

How often should an older adult be physically active? As a general guideline, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends:^27,28,29

While the American College of Sports Medicine currently does not have a recommendation for how often older adults should do balance training, researchers recommend 2-3 days per week as a general guideline.

Keep in mind that more specific frequency guidelines will consider critical factors such as the functional fitness level and the effect of chronic diseases, and would better determine the appropriate frequency for a wide range of older adults.³⁰

²⁷ Pollock, M.L., et al. (1998) "Position Stand: The Recommended Quantity and Quality of Exercise for Developing and Maintaining Cardiorespiratory and Muscular Fitness, and Flexibility in Healthy Adults." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 30(6). Available at American College of Sports Medicine on the World Wide Web: www.acsm-msse.org/pt/pt-core/template-journal/msse/media/0698a.htm

²⁸ Willoughby, D.S. (2001) "Current Comment: Resistance Training in the Older Adult." American College of Sports Medicine. Available at ACSM on the World Wide Web: www.acsm.org/health%2Bfitness/pdf/currentcomments/rtoa.pdf

²⁹ Mazzeo, R.S. (2000) "Current Comment: Exercise and the Older Adult." American College of Sports Medicine. Available at ACSM on the World Wide Web: www.acsm.org/health%2Bfitness/pdf/currentcomments/eoa.pdf

³⁰ Cotton, pp. 14-16.