Overview
The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for adults aged 65+ provide integrated recommendations for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep to improve overall health and quality of life.
Key Recommendations
- Adults 65+ should engage in a range of physical activities daily, adapted to various environments and contexts.
- Limit prolonged sedentary behavior and break up long periods of sitting.
- Maintain healthy sleep routines, behaviors, and environments for adequate rest.
- Replace sedentary time with physical activity; trade light activity for more moderate to vigorous activity when possible.
- Any progress towards meeting movement targets confers health benefits, even if all targets are not fully met.
Health Benefits
- Adhering to guidelines lowers risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, several cancers, anxiety, depression, dementia, weight gain, poor lipid profiles, and falls.
- Benefits include improved bone health, cognition, quality of life, and physical function.
Implementation Considerations
- Guidelines are relevant regardless of gender, culture, or socio-economic status.
- Not all recommendations apply to those with disabilities or certain medical conditions; consult tailored guidance or health professionals as needed.
- Progress towards targets is beneficial even if guidelines are only partially met.
Recommendations / Advice
- Consult resources or professionals if living with a disability or medical condition before following these guidelines.
- Review further details and glossary at https://csep.ca/guidelines for in-depth interpretation and practical tips.