Exercise for older patients: why it's worth your effort.

Two-thirds of all adults age 65 or older are either irregularly active or completely sedentary. With this inactivity comes an increased risk of chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression. Adequate aerobic exercise--even when started as late as age 60--is associated with a 1- to 2-year increase in life expectancy, as well as increased functional independence. Even chairbound patients can benefit from a program of simple exercises. To help prevent injuries, your exercise prescription should include stretching exercises and exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding weak joints.