11/08/2026
🧓 Physical Inactivity & Ageing
Getting older doesn’t automatically mean becoming weaker, less mobile or less independent.
But physical inactivity can accelerate the loss of physical capacity as we age.
Research consistently shows that physically active older adults are less likely to develop frailty. Meaning they are more likely to maintain their strength, mobility and independence, and better cope with illness or setbacks.
What can happen when we stop moving?
Physical inactivity is associated with an increased risk of many chronic health conditions and can contribute to:
❤️ Heart disease and stroke
🧠 Cognitive decline and dementia
😊 Development of mental health, including depression and anxiety
🦵 Loss of muscle strength and balance, increasing the risk of falls
🦴 Joint problems and reduced physical function
🚶 Reduced mobility and independence
The good news?
It’s never too late to start moving.
You don't need to become an athlete. You don't need to train for hours every day.
Small, consistent amounts of the right type of exercise can make a meaningful difference to your ability to walk, get up from a chair, climb stairs, play with the grandkids and continue doing the things you enjoy.
Keep moving. Keep strong. Keep independent.
Not sure where to start? Get in touch with us today and let our Exercise Physiologists help you build strength safely and confidently.
Battista F, Duregon F, Vecchiato M, Ermolao A, Neunhaeuserer D. Sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity: A mutual interplay with early and overt frailty. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2025 Jun;35(6):103971. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2025.103971. Epub 2025 Mar 12. PMID: 40180827.
Lee SW, Patel R, Werner B, Yoo JW, Tiu T. The Role of Physical Activity in Older Adults and Practical Intervention. HCA Healthc J Med. 2021 Dec 29;2(6):387-395. doi: 10.36518/2689-0216.1352. PMID: 37427399; PMCID: PMC10324802.