Physical activity and older individuals: Benefits, barriers and interventions

As life expectancy increases and the population ages around the globe, concerns about growing levels of physical inactivity and decline, and community changes in the self assessed levels of health, are becoming key issues for individuals and governments alike. While one of the key factors found to be vital for good health and for an enhanced quality of life is physical activity, it is becoming increasingly evident that a growing number of older adults do not engage at any meaningful level. This issues is critical yet remains one not well addressed by those within the therapeutic recreation (TR) profession to date. As such, the purpose of this article is to highlight the barriers, to, and benefits accrued from, physical activity for older individuals, and to outline specific recommendations for the planning and provision of physical activity programs for older individuals. Importantly, this article also seeks to exemplify the key role that TR can play in enhancing the lives of older adults. It is anticipated that this article will be of substantial value to TR specialists interested in using physical activity as an intervention for older adults, hopefully spurring further contemplation, discussion, and action about lifestyle choices and active leisure options made available to this growing and consumer-savvy segment of the population