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Mobility and physical functioning

Evidence supports a positive association between physical activity and improved health in older adults. Being functionally independent can help seniors to maintain their quality of life and manage their health conditions. Walking and yoga are just two options to help with mobility and physical functioning.

Let's take a pole: Who wants to try Nordic walking?
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Steady on your feet: New ways to improve balance and avoid falls
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Looking for exercises to do at home? Pilates and yoga can help you keep physically and mentally fit!
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165 Show All 53Blog Posts 63Evidence Summaries 49Web Resource Ratings 1Patient Decision Aids

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Supportive homes and communities Health care and health service delivery Autonomy and independence Cognitive health and dementia Mobility and transportation Healthy lifestyles and wellness Staying connected Financial wellness and employment
  • Evidence Summary

    Gamified smartphone apps may increase physical activity levels

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2021)
  • Evidence Summary

    Electronic health interventions can increase physical activity levels among older adults

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Preventive Medicine (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Aquatic exercise improves physical function in sedentary older adults

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Age and Ageing (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Personalized feedback increases the effectiveness of online weight loss programs

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Obesity Reviews (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Workplace pedometer interventions for increasing physical activity

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Electromechanical and robot-assisted arm training for improving generic activities of daily living, arm function, and arm muscle strength after stroke

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2012)
  • Evidence Summary

    Workplace interventions for reducing sitting at work

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Telerehabilitation approaches are equally as effective as conventional rehabilitation for stroke patients

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Walking groups have many health benefits

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    British Journal of Sports Medicine (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Walking training helps to improve walking ability and possibly self-care after stroke

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Mobile technology may support weight loss in overweight or obese adults in the short term; but long term impact is unknown.

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Obesity Reviews (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Older people with mental health issues should be offered strategies with several components to help reduce their risk of falling

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    BMC Nursing (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Interventions to promote walking in groups increases physical activity in older adults.

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Fall prevention exercise programs reduce falls and prevent injuries in older community dwelling people.

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    BMJ (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Self-management education programmes for osteoarthritis

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Cochrane Database of Systematic Review (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Intensive physical exercise may improve mobility and functional limitations in older people with dementia

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Experimental Gerontology (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    High-intensity progressive resistance strength training for older adults improves leg strength, but training volume also has an important effect

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    The evidence is unclear about whether it is better for older adults to receive long-term care through home and community-based services or in a nursing home

    Rating 5 out of 5 stars
    Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2012)
  • Evidence Summary

    Horticultural therapy may improve physical and emotional health outcomes in older adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Plos One (2022)
  • Evidence Summary

    Intrinsic foot muscle strengthening may help to improve toe strength, balance, and functional mobility, and reduce the risk of falls in older adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2021)
  • Evidence Summary

    Pilates may improve muscle strength and balance in older adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Preventive Medicine (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Circuit resistance training increases upper and lower body strength in older and middle aged adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Ageing Research Reviews (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    High-Intensity Interval Training decreases risk factors of chronic disease in people with overweight or obesity

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    British Journal of Sports Medicine (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    High intensity aerobic exercise lowers blood sugar levels and improves fitness in people with type 2 diabetes

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Cardiovascular Diabetology (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Falls-prevention exercise programs reduce falls in older adults living in care facilities

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing (2017)
  • Evidence Summary

    Rehabilitation at home can be just as good as hospital-based rehabilitation for patients after knee surgery

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Home-based exercise programs may be a promising alternative to clinic-based physical therapy following knee-replacement surgery

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatolology, Arthroscopy (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Self-management programs are an effective means of improving the ability of older adults to carry out daily activities

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    International Journal of Nursing Studies (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Mindfulness training helps decrease impulsive and binge eating and increase physical activity

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Obesity Research and Clinical Practice (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Exercise improves balance, lower limb strength and gait in older adults with diabetes

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications (2016)
  • Evidence Summary

    Mobile phone text messaging helps overweight and obese adults lose weight

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    American Journal of Epidemiology (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Active workstations can lead to decreased sedentary (sitting) time

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Sports Medicine (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Lower limb muscle strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of falls in older adults.

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Brazilian journal of physical therapy (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Personalized home-based exercise programs improve strength, balance and lower risk of falls

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Maturitas (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Walking reduces pain and improves physical functioning in people who have chronic musculoskeletal pain

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Arch Phys Med Rehabil (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Combined diet and exercise changes improve body measurements and heart health more than changes in diet or exercise alone

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Systematic Reviews (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Programs focused on changing lifestyle and sedentary behaviours help reduce sedentary (sitting) time

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    British Journal of Sports Medicine (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Step counters help reduce sedentary (sitting) time

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Medicine (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Pilates is a promising way to improve balance in older adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Exercise helps prevent falls in older adults with cognitive impairment

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Exercise programs that focus on coordination/stabilization or strength/resistance can improve chronic low back pain

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Clin Rehabil (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Some commercial weight-loss programs increase weight loss

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Ann Intern Med (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Exercise motivation improves fitness among healthy adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Nursing Research (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Wii-based exercise programs help to improve balance of older adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Clinical Interventions in Aging (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Elastic resistance training is effective for improving muscle strength in older adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Archives of Gerontology & Geriatrics (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    In people who have knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy improves balance and reduces risk of falls

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Age Ageing (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Home-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation can improve mobility, balance and strength after hip fracture surgery

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Rehabilitation Research and Practice (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Physical activity interventions are effective in adults of retirement age at 12 months, but effects are not maintained at 24 months

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    BioMed Central Medicine (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Physical exercise interventions may improve walking speed and physical functioning measures in frail older adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Older people hospitalized with an acute illness or injury have fewer falls, delirium or loss of function in acute geriatric units than in usual care

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    J Am Geriatr Soc (2012)
  • Evidence Summary

    Yoga reduces pain and disability at up to 1 year in people with low back pain

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Clin J Pain (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Multicomponent exercise training improves physical functioning in frail older adults

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Rejuvenation Research (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Counseling with activity monitors improves physical activity and health outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Annals of Medicine (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Meaningful social roles may improve health and well-being for people in retirement

    Rating 4 out of 5 stars
    Milbank Quarterly (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Ageing simulation equipment can help students empathize with older adults

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Advanced Nursing (2020)
  • Evidence Summary

    Features of built environments positively correlate with walking rates among adults

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada (2019)
  • Evidence Summary

    There is a positive association between pedestrian infrastructure and aesthetics and the physical function of older adults

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Health & Place (2019)
  • Evidence Summary

    Telerehabilitation may be a feasible way to encourage exercise and improve physical functioning among those with cardiopulmonary disease

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention (2015)
  • Evidence Summary

    Case management in community-based care for older adults can improve patients’ psychological health and reduce their unmet service needs

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    BMC Health Services Research (2012)
  • Evidence Summary

    Collaborative care provided by geriatricians and surgeons to older adults with hip fracture reduces risk of death and time in hospital

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma (2014)
  • Evidence Summary

    Early physical rehabilitation programs are beneficial for hospitalized older patients and are safe and feasible to implement.

    Rating 3 out of 5 stars
    BMC Geriatrics (2013)
  • Evidence Summary

    Autonomous vehicles should be regulated in a way which best suits the needs of older adults while minimizing the potential negative effects

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    Travel Behaviour and Society (2020)
  • Evidence Summary

    Self-image associated with the use of assistive technologies among older adults

    Rating 2 out of 5 stars
    Ageing and Society (2019)
  • Blog Post

    Linking sensory loss and mobility

    Learn more about moving safely with good hearing and vision.
  • Blog Post

    Linking cognition and mobility

    Research highlights the benefits of exercise for our body and mind! Don't miss tips and tricks on how to get and stay active.
  • Blog Post

    Aging does not occur in silos

    Research explores the links between changes in hearing, vision, mobility and cognition.
  • Blog Post

    Assistive Technology Made Easy: Exploring the AccessATCanada Navigation Portal

    Navigating the world of assistive technology can feel overwhelming, but the AccessATCanada navigation portal changes the game by simplifying the process of finding programs and services in Canada. With tools that let users refine searches by location, technology type, and eligibility criteria, the portal offers a personalized way to connect with life-changing resources.
  • Blog Post

    Horticultural therapy: Are there benefits to guided gardening?

    Happy gardening! Research shows that horticultural therapy may hold physical and emotional health benefits.
  • Blog Post

    3 evidence-based strategies for foot health

    Research shows there are many benefits to promoting the health of our feet.
  • Blog Post

    Getting your ‘feet’ in the game! Can exercising your feet help you stay on them?

    From injury to death, falls are a major concern for older adults. Recent research looks at how strengthening the muscles in our feet and ankles can help to reduce the risk of falls.
  • Blog Post

    “Dancing” our way to fewer falls and better physical function?

    Are you looking for fall prevention strategies that can help keep you on your feet? Research shows that dance-based mind-motor activities may help you with these efforts.
  • Blog Post

    Taking a seat for better health? The benefits of modifying exercise for people with health conditions

    Seated exercise may hold benefits for cognitive health in older adults with health conditions.
  • Blog Post

    Getting around the city: Can geospatial technologies be adapted to help wheelchair users?

    Mobility problems are common and can affect both autonomy and social participation. Among wheelchair users, their mobility is also hampered by various obstacles. But new geospatial assistive technologies may help them get around the city.
  • Blog Post

    Home-based exercise programs for Parkinson’s disease: Accessible exercise from the comfort of home

    It’s no secret that exercise is good for us, but did you know that exercises performed from the comfort of home can improve balance and walking speed in people with Parkinson’s disease?
  • Blog Post

    Looking for exercises to do at home? Pilates and yoga can help you keep physically and mentally fit!

    While at home, keep all facets of your health and well-being a priority! What benefits do Pilates and yoga have to offer?
  • Blog Post

    Acetaminophen (Tylenol): An “easy” fix for knee and hip osteoarthritis?

    For years, Tylenol has been a go to treatment option for both patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis and their health care providers. But new research calls into question how effective this treatment option is.
  • Blog Post

    Foot health: A ground-up approach to preventing falls

    A ground-up approach—starting with the health of your feet—might be just what you need to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
  • Blog Post

    Living with heart failure: Improving your quality of life with exercise

    For people with chronic heart failure, exercise can be an important ally. Staying active is a good way to improve both your physical functioning and quality of life.
  • Blog Post

    Painful knees? What about acupuncture?

    For people with knee osteoarthritis, living pain-free may seem a distant dream. The ancient practice of acupuncture may offer a way for people to reduce their pain and get back to their daily routine.
  • Blog Post

    Painful knees? What about acupuncture?

    For people with knee osteoarthritis, living pain-free may seem a distant dream. The ancient practice of acupuncture may offer a way for people to reduce their pain and get back to their daily routine.
  • Blog Post

    Mirror therapy for stroke rehabilitation: Tricking the brain into believing what it sees

    Mirror therapy shows promise in helping stroke survivors recover limb movement and resume activities of daily living.
  • Blog Post

    Conquer your fear of falling with cognitive behavioural therapy

    Many older adults have a fear of falling. Cognitive behavioural therapy may help people overcome this fear by reducing negative thoughts about falls and shifting their focus to what they can do to curb their falls risk.
  • Blog Post

    Living with gout? Explore your treatment options

    A gout flare-up can be a very unpleasant and painful experience. Several treatment options are available, so speak with your healthcare provider about which treatment might work best for you.
  • Blog Post

    The research based benefits of music for walking

    Walking speed reveals a lot about your overall health and walking ability changes with age. Research shows that music can help!
  • Blog Post

    What works best for relieving back pain?

    Low back pain can be debilitating but it can be managed with non-drug therapies and medications if needed. What works best? Find out recommendations from recent research evidence.
  • Blog Post

    3 research-based benefits of yoga for healthy aging

    Want to age well? Consider making yoga part of your regular activities.
  • Blog Post

    3 alternative options for pain relief

    Alternative options for managing pain can bring relief without the risks associated with prescription drugs.
  • Blog Post

    Avoid falls with these 4 simple tips

    Many older adults experience a fall as they get older. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are four evidence-based tips to lower your falls risk and promote healthy aging.
  • Blog Post

    5 tips to stay healthy at home

    Research-based recommendations to stay in your home and community safely, independently and comfortably for as long as possible.
  • Blog Post

    Build strength to age well! The benefits of progressive resistance training

    Evidence shows this type of strength training helps improve leg strength and walking speed.
  • Blog Post

    Why aquatic exercise is making a splash with health conscious adults

    Think exercising in the water looks too easy to be effective? Think again! Moderate to intense aquatic exercise has a number of health and fitness benefits.
  • Blog Post

    Mini-incision hip replacement surgery: Is it right for you?

    If you or someone you know requires a hip replacement, find out the latest research comparing the benefits of mini-incision to standard surgery.
  • Blog Post

    Diet or exercise: Which works best for weight loss?

    Want to lose some weight, keep it off and lower your risk of heart disease? Forget fad diets and extreme programs - learn the truth about the best ways to achieve your goals.
  • Blog Post

    3 tips to prevent bed sores

    Long periods of lying or sitting in one position can lead to pressure sores (also known as bed sores). There are simple and effective options to help prevent this painful condition.
  • Blog Post

    Back pain? Try exercise!

    Low back pain can make getting through the day challenging enough without worrying about keeping up your exercise regimen. But before you throw in the (gym) towel, read the latest research about the best types of exercise for relieving back pain.
  • Blog Post

    What does drawing clocks have to do with driving cars? Tests of cognitive skills that can flag older drivers who may be unsafe behind the wheel

    Problems with seniors' driving have been linked to changes in their medical and functional status that are not related to normal aging changes. The key is to identify drivers who are at risk.
  • Blog Post

    There's an app for that! Using technology to promote healthy aging

    Activity trackers, monitors, computer applications, wearables.... there are plenty of options and some can be pricey. Before you spend the money, find out which health gadgets are a good investment in your health and well-being.
  • Blog Post

    Sitting too much? Take steps to support healthy aging

    Too much time spent sitting or lying down can increase our risk of heart disease, diabetes and other serious health problems. Fortunately, you can take steps (literally) to protect yourself.
  • Blog Post

    Steady on your feet: New ways to improve balance and avoid falls

    Building and maintaining your balance helps reduce the risk of falling. The latest evidence measures the balance benefits of Pilates and balance-recovery training.
  • Blog Post

    Diet changes, accountability and regular weigh-ins may be keys to maintaining ideal weight

    A healthy weight is important for optimal health. The best strategy is to avoid gaining weight. Sounds easy... find out how to do it!
  • Blog Post

    Bad knees? The right kinds of exercise can bring pain relief and improve balance

    Osteoarthritis damages joints such as the knee, causing pain, stiffness, disability and increased risk of falls. Sufferers may avoid exercise and any physical activity out of fear of discomfort; however, some types of exercise help to ease symptoms and improve flexibility, balance, and function.
  • Blog Post

    Wii-based exercise programs for seniors – not your grandkids’ Nintendo

    “Exergames” using virtual reality technology such as Nintendo’s Wii Fit system are popular, fun and can help you exercise from your living room. Research shows that they can also help promote better balance in older adults - an important way to help reduce the risk of falls.
  • Blog Post

    Strengthen your muscles with elastic resistance bands

    Want to work out at home to maintain fitness and muscle strength? Don’t want to spend a lot of money on a bulky piece of fitness equipment that could end up gathering dust? Elastic resistance bands are simple, inexpensive and help to build muscle strength among older adults.
  • Blog Post

    Enjoy your retirement - but keep moving!

    Retirement often means a more relaxed and leisurely lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean giving up on exercise: regular physical activity is the key to health and vitality.
  • Blog Post

    Does wearable technology help with weight loss and other health goals?

    Wearable technology encourages people to be more active (at least in the short term), which can lead to weight loss and other health benefits.
  • Blog Post

    Physical exercise can help combat signs of frailty in older adults

    Physical exercise can help improve some conditions associated with aging and frailty, such as improving walking speed.
  • Blog Post

    Vitamin D and calcium: A dynamic duo in the maintenance of strong bones

    Calcium and vitamin D supplements help keep bones healthy and may reduce the risk of bone breaks in older adults.
  • Blog Post

    Exercise programs can help reduce falls and prevent injuries

    Fall prevention exercise programs, in a group or home setting, can help prevent falls. Exercises to improve balance are the most effective in preventing falls.
  • Blog Post

    Get online and on track to better health!

    Time spent on the internet may improve your health! Computer-delivered interventions on health topics can help improve knowledge, attitudes and behaviours leading to a healthier lifestyle.
  • Blog Post

    Let's take a pole: Who wants to try Nordic walking?

    Nordic walking is popular among older adults. The evidence for the benefits and harms for this exercise are reviewed.
  • Blog Post

    Walking speed, part 2: What can you do to improve walking speed?

    Slowing of your walking speed is associated with aging and most are concerned with knowing what speeds are safe for normal community activities. Here are some effective strategies to improve walking speed.
  • Blog Post

    Can yoga relieve the pain and disability associated with low back pain?

    Studies have concluded that yoga is effective in reducing back pain and related disability, particularly in the short term.
  • Blog Post

    Join a walking group to improve your health!

    Walking can contribute to improved health, and walking in groups offers additional benefits.
  • Blog Post

    Walking speed, part 1: How fast should I walk to cross the road safely? Fast facts about walking speed

    Slowing of your walking speed is associated with aging and most are concerned with knowing what speeds are safe for normal community activities. A simple test can determine your walking speed.
  • Blog Post

    Social isolation: what is it and why is it important to your health?

    Social isolation should be considered a health risk. Many older adults are socially isolated and this should be of concern to all of us. We need more research on the best way to deal with it.
  • Blog Post

    Multimorbidity: how to improve quality of life when managing several chronic health conditions

    If you have 3 or more health conditions, ask your family doctor about better ways to coordinate your care with other health professionals, and how you might decrease important health risks or improve key functional activities.
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