Physical Activity of the Elderly in Light of the 2020 WHO Guidelines

Introduction: Demographic assessment in Poland allows to show progressive aging of society, which is further related to the growing number of people with cardiovascular diseases, cancer and disabilities of various origins. In November 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued recommendations for physical activity which, for the first time, also apply to people suffering from chronic diseases and to those with disabilities. Compliance with the guidelines is part of prevention with regard to both chronic diseases and disabilities of various origins. Study aim: The aim of the study was to present the latest guidelines of the World Health Organization and, based on the cited literature, to answer the following question: How can changes in physical exercise have impact on the functional state of people above the age of 60? Materials and methods: The aim of the study was carried out on the basis of analysis regarding the quoted WHO guidelines and the cited literature concerning the recommended level of physical activity for people over 60 in overcoming various origins of their disabilities and lesions. Within this context, the following provisions were analysed: the WHO guidelines from 2020 and the quoted literature in the number of 32 positions. Results: Physical activity may delay human aging for up to 2 decades, improve whole-body condition, positively affect the symptoms of depressive disorders, inhibit neurodegenerative diseases and has a beneficial effect on the health of patients suffering from metabolic diseases. Conclusions: Regular physical activity of people over 60 years of age definitely has a positive effect on their functional state, both in terms of disabilities and diseases of various origins