| Recently published research presenting a global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults is explored through a conversation with lead researcher Mikel Izquierdo, PhD. The discussion covers the connections between longevity and exercise and offers practical strategies that health coaches and exercise professionals can use to enhance their clients’ healthspan and quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, the proportion of the world’s population over age 60 will nearly double between 2015 and 2050. Read on to learn more about evidence-based exercise for longevity and how you can help clients live longer, healthier lives. |
Getting a consensus on anything these days—no less a “global consensus”—seems increasingly rare, which is why we wanted to share an important paper published earlier this month in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging. Entitled “Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR),” this paper provides the “rationale for the integration of physical activity into health promotion, disease prevention, and management strategies for older adults.”
The authors call for a broader application of guidelines and knowledge in order to “optimize health span and quality of life.” This goal of translating theory and evidence into action aligns perfectly with ACE’s mission to Get People Moving through evidence-based practices.
We spoke to lead author Mikel Izquierdo, PhD, to gain some insight into why this type of research is so vital and what it means to the day-to-day work of health coaches and exercise professionals.
Before we get into the recommendations, could you elaborate on the concept of a “global consensus?” What does it mean, and why is it important for health coaches and exercise professionals to understand?
Dr. Izquierdo:
A global consensus means one clear, evidence-based agreement from the world’s leading experts on the same subject—for our purposes, optimal exercise recommendations to promote healthy aging. It assembles a combined view of the latest research into concise, actionable directions with specific applications for older adults.
The rationale for this consensus is important to health coaches and exercise professionals, as it provides a translational document between science and practice and is furnished with a roadmap to implement exercise programs addressing key challenges in frailty, cognitive decline and physical deterioration. More importantly, it has given a strong mandate for personalized exercise as an integral component of health intervention to improve the quality of life in aging populations.
What does this paper highlight about the role of physical activity and exercise as we age? How might a health coach or exercise professional communicate the benefits of regular physical activity to an older client who may be struggling to start or stay consistent?
Dr. Izquierdo:
This paper emphasizes that regular exercise is not just an addition to healthy aging but a necessity. Physical activity helps maintain intrinsic capacity, improves muscle strength, enhances cardiovascular health and delays or mitigates age-related conditions such as sarcopenia and cognitive decline. Frailty is a major reason for the consensus on prescribing exercises rather than avoiding them.
To effectively communicate these benefits to older clients, exercise professionals should:
- Frame exercise as medicine: Describe how modest activities such as balance exercises or strength training can pay huge dividends in mobility and independence.
- Highlight emotional and social benefits: Emphasize how group classes can reduce isolation and provide a sense of community.
- Personalize the approach: Make the program individually tailored, with realistic short-term goals, while monitoring progress as a means to instill confidence and encourage adherence.
From the perspective of health coaches and exercise professionals (and their clients), what are some of the key takeaways from this study? How might these findings influence their day-to-day work?
Dr. Izquierdo:
The key takeaways an exercise professional or health coach may take from these findings are as follows:
- Programming accuracy: Exercise programs should be personalized considering the ability, preference and medical condition of each individual. These include strength training, balance exercises and cardiovascular fitness tailored to prevent falls and frailty.
- Multicomponent approach: The current study recommends a combination of resistance training, aerobic activities and cognitive challenges to maximize benefits.
- Adherence strategies: This consensus emphasizes that structured support systems are crucial to increasing long-term participation by overcoming psychological and logistical barriers.
These findings confirm that holistic assessments and goal setting are important for realizing optimized exercise outcomes for older clients.
The paper discusses certain needs within the industry—what are some of these needs, and how might addressing them help advance the health and fitness fields?
Dr. Izquierdo:
The following key requirements have been identified:
- Professional education: Many healthcare practitioners lack the necessary skills to prescribe and supervise exercise regimens. Enhancing the training of health and fitness professionals can ensure that evidence-based exercise programs become an essential component of patient care.
- Availability and inclusivity: Individuals in rural and underserved areas often encounter obstacles when implementing exercise initiatives. Community-oriented solutions and remote exercise options could help address this issue.
- Psychological approaches: The consensus highlights the importance of interventions that enhance motivation, self-confidence and adherence through behavioral support mechanisms.
Addressing these requirements will contribute to integrating exercise into healthcare systems, promoting healthier aging and decreasing healthcare expenses.
Finally, is there anything else about this significant piece of work that you’d like to share with our readers?
Dr. Izquierdo:
This consensus strengthens the notion that physical activity serves as one of the most potent remedies for age-related issues, yet it remains underutilized in elderly care. A change in mindset is necessary—exercise should be recommended with the same seriousness as pharmaceutical interventions. By adopting these guidelines, health and exercise professionals, government officials and local groups can help seniors lead more extended and dynamic lives while reducing the burden on medical systems. This consensus also highlights the financial advantages of decreasing hospital admissions and enhancing functional autonomy, creating a favorable outcome for both individuals and the broader community.
If you are interested in exploring how to support your clients in achieving lasting health, check out Achieving Longevity through Movement (worth 0.5 ACE CECs). This course will help you understand how exercise physiology and strength training contribute to longevity, develop impactful movement strategies to motivate sedentary individuals, leverage wearable technology to enhance client outcomes, and more.
Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive FAQ on Optimizing Healthspan and Quality of Life: A Global Consensus on the Evidence, incorporating insights from recent studies and expert recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is healthspan, and how does it differ from lifespan?
Healthspan refers to the number of years an individual lives in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. In contrast, lifespan is the total number of years a person lives, regardless of health status. Recent studies highlight a growing gap between these two metrics, with many people living longer but spending more years in poor health .(Time, The Guardian)
Why is there a global concern about the healthspan-lifespan gap?
The widening gap indicates that, while life expectancy increases, the quality of those additional years often declines. This trend is concerning as it suggests that many individuals are living longer lives burdened by chronic diseases, leading to diminished quality of life and increased healthcare costs .
What lifestyle factors are most effective in extending healthspan?
Research consistently points to several key lifestyle factors:
- Regular physical activity, particularly resistance and aerobic exercises, to maintain muscle strength and cardiovascular health.
- Balanced nutrition, emphasizing whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods and sugars.
- Adequate sleep, aiming for 7-8 hours per night to support cellular repair and cognitive function.
- Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and social engagement, to reduce chronic stress levels.
- Preventive healthcare, including regular check-ups and screenings, to catch potential health issues early .
How does early childhood nutrition impact healthspan?
Early childhood nutrition plays a crucial role in determining long-term health outcomes. Inadequate nutrition during formative years can predispose individuals to various non-communicable diseases later in life, affecting their healthspan. Investing in proper nutrition during childhood is essential for promoting a longer, healthier life .(World Economic Forum)
What role does social connection play in healthspan?
Strong social relationships are linked to improved mental and physical health, reduced stress levels, and a lower risk of chronic diseases. Engaging in community activities and maintaining close relationships can significantly enhance one’s healthspan .
Are there specific recommendations for older adults to optimize healthspan?
Yes, experts recommend a personalized approach to exercise for older adults, focusing on:
- Strength training to combat muscle loss.
- Balance exercises to prevent falls.
- Aerobic activities to improve cardiovascular health.
- Cognitive challenges to maintain mental acuity.
Additionally, creating structured support systems and fostering social connections are vital for adherence and overall well-being .(ACE Fitness)
How can healthcare systems address the healthspan-lifespan gap?
Healthcare systems should shift focus from merely extending lifespan to enhancing healthspan by:
- Promoting preventive care and early intervention.
- Encouraging healthy lifestyle behaviors through public health campaigns.
- Integrating wellness programs into primary care settings.
- Addressing social determinants of health to reduce disparities.
Such systemic changes can help bridge the healthspan-lifespan gap and improve overall population health .(World Economic Forum, JAMA Network)
What are the economic implications of improving healthspan?
Improving healthspan can lead to significant economic benefits by:
- Reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases.
- Enhancing workforce productivity as healthier individuals can work longer and more effectively.
- Decreasing caregiver burdens, leading to lower social support costs.
Investing in strategies to enhance healthspan is not only beneficial for individuals but also for economies at large .
How can individuals assess their healthspan?
While direct measurement of healthspan is complex, individuals can monitor indicators such as:
- Physical fitness levels, including strength, endurance, and flexibility.
- Cognitive function, through memory and problem-solving tasks.
- Chronic disease presence, by regular health screenings.
- Quality of life assessments, considering physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Regular check-ups and self-assessment can provide insights into one’s healthspan.
Are there any global initiatives aimed at improving healthspan?
Yes, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations have launched initiatives focusing on healthy aging, promoting policies and programs that encourage active lifestyles, preventive healthcare, and social inclusion for older adults .
What can individuals do today to start improving their healthspan?
Individuals can take several steps to enhance their healthspan:
- Incorporate regular physical activity into daily routines.
- Adopt a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Prioritize quality sleep and establish a consistent sleep schedule.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques and hobbies.
- Foster social connections by engaging in community activities and maintaining relationships.
Starting with small, manageable changes can lead to significant improvements in healthspan over time.
Summary
Optimizing healthspan—the years lived in good health—is increasingly recognized as crucial for enhancing quality of life and reducing healthcare burdens. A global consensus emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, and strong social connections in promoting healthspan. Early interventions, particularly in childhood nutrition, are vital for setting the foundation for a long, healthy life. Healthcare systems worldwide are encouraged to focus on preventive care and wellness programs to address the growing healthspan-lifespan gap. By adopting evidence-based strategies, individuals and societies can work towards a future where longer lives are also healthier and more fulfilling.(JAMA Network)