Consequences of physical inactivity in older adults: A systematic review of reviews and meta‐analyses
Open accessAbstract
Background: Globally, populations are ageing. Typically, physical activity levels decline and health worsens as we age; however, estimates of the impact of physical inactivity for population health often fail to specifically focus on older adults. Methods: Multiple databases were searched for systematic reviews and/or meta‐analyses of longitudinal observational studies, investigating the relationship between physical activity and any physical or mental health outcome in adults aged ≥60 years. Quality of included reviews was assessed using AMSTAR. Results: Twenty‐four systematic reviews and meta‐analyses were included. The majority of reviews were of moderate or high methodological quality. Physically active older adults (≥60 years) are at a reduced risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, breast and prostate cancer, fractures, recurrent falls, ADL disability and functional limitation and cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. They also experience healthier ageing trajectories, better quality of life and improved cognitive functioning. Conclusion: This review of reviews provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of epidemiological evidence from previously conducted research to assess the associations of physical activity with physical and mental health outcomes in older adults.
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Physical inactivity among older adults is a global challenge leading to numerous health problems such as loss of functional independence, higher risk of morbidity, disability, and mortality.
“Physical inactivity among older adults is a global challenge, leading to numerous health problems such as loss of functional independence, higher risk of morbidity, disability, and even mortality. 1”
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- Authors
- Cunningham, C., O' Sullivan, R., Caserotti, P., & Tully, M. A.
- Affiliations
- Institute of Public Health (IE)
- Institute of Public Health in Ireland Belfast UK
- University of Southern Denmark (DK)
- University of Ulster (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Cunningham, Conor
- Venue
- Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2020-02-04
- Volume
- 30
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 816-827
- ISSN
- 0905-7188 (ISSN-L)
- 1600-0838
- OpenAlex
- W3005376948
- Cited by
- 1,154
- References
- 11
- Citations by year
- 2026: 150 · 2025: 198 · 2024: 217 · 2023: 273 · 2022: 182 · 2021: 105 · 2020: 28 · 2019: 1
- FWCI
- 18.77
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Ulster University Research Portal (Ulster University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- University of Southern Denmark Research Portal (University of Southern Denmark) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Aging, Health, and Disability
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Geriatrics and Gerontology › Frailty in Older Adults
- Keywords
- physical inactivity, older adults, physical activity, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cancer risk, fracture, falls, activities of daily living, functional limitations, cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, depression, quality of life, healthy aging
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Chronic Disease, Humans, Mental Health, Middle Aged, Mortality, Quality of Life, Review Literature as Topic, Meta-Analysis as Topic, Exercise, Sedentary Behavior
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