Evaluating the Efficacy of Physical Activity for Influencing Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Older Adults

Abstract Exercise and other forms of physical activity are known to have a variety of physiologic and fitness benefits for older adults. Less is known, however, about whether physical activity can improve quality-of-life in older adults. Quality-of-life is defined in terms of multiple concepts pertaining to day-to-day functioning and well-being. This article presents a conceptual framework of quality-of-life concepts that are appropriate for evaluating the efficacy of physical activity in older adults. The available studies of the relationship of exercise or physical activity to each concept are reviewed. The concepts are organized into seven categories: physical functioning, cognitive functioning, activities (self-maintenance, role, social, recreation/hobbies), bodily well-being, emotional well-being, self-concept, and global perceptions, including health perceptions and life satisfaction. Methodological and measurement issues are noted that are of special relevance for quality-of-life and exercise studies. Very few exercise studies were found that evaluated intervention efficacy in terms of quality-of-life in older adults. Those that were available focused on a limited number of components of quality-of-life. Because the few studies available generally found beneficial effects, the study of exercise- related quality-of-life outcomes is a promising area for future study.