Across All Ages, Exercise Improves Physical Capacities & Quality of Life

Frailty is a state of vulnerability associated with increased risks of fall, hospitalization, cognitive deficits, and psychological distress. Previously, a number of studies have suggested that help the seniors engaging in physical exercise improve their cognitive skills as well as quality of life. Louis Bherer, from the Institut Universitaire de Geriatrie de Montreal (Canada), and colleagues enrolled 83 men and women, ages 61 to 89 years, some of whom were considered frail, in a study in which 43 subjects took part in group exercises (three times a week for 12 weeks), and the remaining 40 participants served as control of events did not participate in exercise). All participants were evaluated one week before the start of the program and at the end of the program for physical capacity, quality of life and cognitive health. Compared to the control group, trained participants showed larger improvement in physical capacity (functional capacities and physical endurance), cognitive performance (executive functions, processing speed and working memory) and quality of life (overall quality of life, recreational activities, social and family relationships and physical health). Concluding that: “Physical exercise training leads to improved cognitive functioning and psychological well-being in frail older adults,” the researchers submit that it is never too late to engage in exercise intervention programs.