Exercise, aging, and mental health

The evidence supporting the physical and mental health benefits of exercise across the life span is compelling. Similarly, studies of successful efforts to promote increased physical activity have evolved across the range of older adult venues both community and institutionally based. However, changes in activity habits are not easily achieved. Aging successfully is to a large extent the result of how hard one works at it.¹ What follows is a brief review of the benefits of physical activity for mental health in late life with specific recommendations on effective exercise prescriptions for older adults.