Comorbidities. Medical illnesses are common among the
elderly and often affect their perceived health and chance of
success. Symptoms such as stiffness, pain, shortness of breath,
fatigue, weakness, and numbness often discourage physical
activity. People with cardiac, pulmonary, or rheumatologic
problems are often told by their physicians to be careful with
physical activity. Some patients receive this advice as a prescription for inactivity. In reality, very few people are prohibited from physical activity outright (see Bean et al
15
focused
review), and the vast majority would benefit from greater
activity, despite their medical conditions.