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Key Takeaways
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.
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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.
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, PhD, is a Professor and Vice-Head of the Health Sciences Department at the Public University of Navarre and also serves as a Professor in the Master’s program in High-Performance Sports at the Spanish Olympic Committee. He has led numerous research projects in the field of Biomechanics and the Neuromuscular System, with a particular interest in the study of the effects of strength and muscle power training in various sports, as well as in aging, frailty, special populations (such as those with diabetes and obesity) and muscle performance.
He currently acts as the Head of the “Physical Exercise, Health, and Quality of Life E-FIT” research group at the Biomedical Research Center of Navarre (NAVARRABIOMED) and is a researcher at the CIBER on Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES) of the Carlos III Health Institute.
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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.
