Promoting physical activity for older people: a toolkit for action

What this guideline says

GMJ summary

This toolkit provides evidence-based guidance for policy-makers, health workers, and community service providers on implementing physical activity programmes and services for older adults (aged 60+ years). It addresses the fact that over 40% of people aged 70+ years globally do not meet recommended physical activity levels, despite clear evidence that regular physical activity prevents falls, maintains cognitive function, delays dementia onset, and manages chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

The toolkit recommends interventions across three key action areas: (1) educating and encouraging older people through public communication campaigns and individual counselling; (2) engaging and supporting through inclusive, multicomponent exercise programmes adapted to individual needs and abilities; and (3) enabling everyday physical activity through age-friendly environments with accessible walking paths, public spaces, and supportive infrastructure. Implementation requires strong governance, sustained financing, multi-sectoral partnerships, workforce training, and ongoing monitoring.

The guidance emphasizes that every move counts, it is never too late to start being active, and even low levels of physical activity provide health benefits. Recommended activities include walking, cycling, household tasks, gardening, dancing, Tai chi, yoga, and adapted sports, delivered in community, primary care, or residential settings.

Key points

For clinicians — doses and thresholds as stated in the guideline

1. All older adults should aim for at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination
2. Muscle-strengthening activities involving all major muscle groups should be performed at moderate or greater intensity on at least 2 days per week
3. Multicomponent physical activity emphasizing functional balance and strength training at moderate or greater intensity should be performed on at least 3 days per week to prevent falls
4. Even low levels of physical activity are beneficial; any amount is better than none, and older adults should start slowly and gradually increase activity
5. Multicomponent exercise programmes can reduce the rate of falls by as much as 23% in older people
6. Regular physical activity helps prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and can delay dementia onset and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms
7. Sedentary time should be limited and replaced with physical activity of any intensity, including light-intensity activities
8. Physical activity counselling should be integrated into routine primary care consultations using the '5As' model (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange follow-up)

WHO policy recommendations supporting promotion of physical activity among older people

Table extracted from the guideline

Source: World Health Organization, Promoting physical activity for older people: a toolkit for action. Reproduced in summary form.

From the guideline

Verbatim

“Just as importantly, physical activity brings social benefits, as being active offers the chance to build relationships and strengthen networks around an older person, enabling their continued contribution to society.”

Editor’s perspective

Why this matters for Georgia and the region

Applicability

Georgia and the South Caucasus

Questions this guideline answers

Quick answers

Related on GMJ

Interconnected resources

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