Health promotion in older adults. Prescribing exercise for the frail and home bound.

Some degree of physical activity is always preferable to a sedentary lifestyle. For home bound elderly, with limited mobility and strength, physical activity should be focused on "functional fitness," such as performing activities of daily living, transfers, and mobility. We examine the benefits of exercise for frail home bound elderly, potential barriers to exercise, and ways to initiate a physical activity program.

Prescribing physical activity for older adults.

Physicians and other healthcare providers must disseminate the message promoting physical activity among all of their patients, especially frail older adults. Some degree of physical activity is always preferable to a sedentary life. The goals of physical activity counseling are to provide concrete information, clear and consistent recommendations, and to recognize barriers that older adults face in initiating and maintaining a program.