Disability in older adults 2: Physical activity as prevention

In this 2nd article in the series on older adults (persons aged greater tha n or equal to 65 years), the role of physical activity in preventing disabi lity associated with aging in the absence of specific illnesses is discusse d, and different types of activities and the measures of outcome are descri bed. Evidence for physical activity as a prevention measure is restricted t o primary and secondary prevention because the application of physical acti vity for tertiary prevention of disability is limited Chronic disease is co nsidered in the context of its influence on disability only when physical a ctivity offers some potential benefit to elderly persons.