Heart Health
Gentle exercises for older, frail people
Exercise can boost both the duration and quality of your life, especially if you start when you’re young and keep at it. But as people age, heart disease or other health problems sometimes derail exercise routines. The resulting loss of muscle and endurance often contributes to frailty, which affects about a quarter of people after age 85 but can also occur at younger ages (see "What is frailty?").
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.