Long-term physical activity behaviours have been linked to enhanced and lifelong physical, mental and social wellbeing

An ageing population presents many significant challenges to governments—particularly across the policy related areas of health services, active participation of older persons in society, community planning and infrastructure needs, and overall quality of life.

The increasing ageing population in Australia and other nations is the result of a combination of lower birth rates, increased life expectancy, and the global population increase since the late 1940’s (e.g. the post war generation of ‘Baby Boomers’).

Key Messages

1. An active lifestyle during an adult’s ‘mature years’ can contribute to good physical and mental health, and personal and social wellbeing.

2. Increasing physical activity amongst older adults is a societal—not just an individual concern—requiring a population-based, multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary and culturally relevant approach.

3. Seniors are more likely to engage in self-organised or informal physical activities (e.g. walking, swimming, cycling) than participate in organised sport.

4. Engagement in masters sport has many recognised benefits that contribute to quality of life and increased longevity into older age.

Considerable evidence underpins the physical activity recommendations and guidelines for older adults developed by government and non-government authorities. More information can be found in the Clearinghouse for Sport topic, Physical Activity Guidelines.

Source
Clearinghouse for Sport