Exercise Prescription in Older Adults
It is quite likely that after initial screening, many barriers and
difficulties with adoption and adherence will be identified in
the typical sedentary older individual. Therefore, it becomes
important to know how to deliver the prescription in logical
stages that are palatable and feasible, and have some likelihood of
successful implementation. Current position stands12, 13
generally recommend a multi-modal exercise prescription
including aerobic, strengthening, balance, and flexibility
training, via a combination of structured and incidental
(lifestyle-integrated) activities. However, it is usually best to start
with only one mode of exercise and let the individual get used to
the new routine of exercise before adding other components, or
optimal adherence and adaptation may be compromised.33, 34 This
approach obviously requires attention to risk factors, medical
history, physical exam findings, and personal preferences, in order
to prioritize prescriptive elements, and will be different for each
individual. However, there are a few generalizations that can be
made, as noted below: