Physical activity and exercise

Physical activity is essential for the promotion and maintenance of health across the life-course, yet with advancing age, increasing sedentary behaviour is common. This can lead to functional decline and increased risk of morbidity and disability.

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour and current Chief Medical Officers Physical Activity Guidelines (CMO PAG) recommend older adults undertake at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity throughout the week, with functional balance and strength training on three or more days a week.

But these recommendations require concerted efforts to support older generations to achieve sustained improvements of physical activity, with their individual needs and preferences taken into account.

Healthy ageing academic researchers at The University of Manchester work to develop evidence of what works to increase uptake and adherence to physical activity/exercise, and reduce risk of morbidity and frailty for those approaching later life.

We currently work extensively with adults over the age of 50 years who may be experiencing a range of conditions, such as deconditioning, balance impairment, frailty and cognitive decline. Our current projects range from promoting physical activity to reduce the risk of dementia and the prevention of declining function by supporting older adults to become more physically and socially active within their communities, to examining the implementation of evidence-based strength and balance interventions to prevent falls.

Through all of our research activity, we follow and adhere to several national guidelines including, but not limited to, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Physical Activity Guidelines.

Current projects

Our projects relating to physical activity and exercise are funded through and conducted via the NIHR Greater Manchester Applied Research Collaboration Healthy Ageing Theme.

The Healthy Ageing Policy Research Unit is also conducting research into how to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour among older people.