Clinical Exercise: Preventing Frailty

A group of older adults running or jogging in a forest during a marathon event, wearing race bibs and holding water bottles.

What is it?

Frailty is reduced physical resilience and is not an inevitable part of ageing.

Treatment & Prevention

Strength training, balance work, walking and adequate protein can help prevent or improve frailty.

When should I seek advice?

Seek professional advice if you have concerns about exercising safely.

FAQs

• Is it too late to start? No—people of almost any age can benefit from appropriate exercise.
• Do I need a gym? No, many exercises can be done at home.
• How quickly will I improve? Many people notice benefits within 6–12 weeks.

Evidence

Combined strength and balance programmes reduce falls and improve function. Recommendations are consistent with WHO physical activity guidance and geriatric exercise research.

Clinical Exercise: Sarcopenia

An elderly man with gray hair and a beard lifting a barbell in a gym with exposed brick walls and workout equipment.

What is it?

Sarcopenia is age-related loss of muscle mass and strength.

Treatment & Prevention

Resistance exercise and adequate protein are the main treatments.

When should I seek advice?

Seek professional advice if you have concerns about exercising safely.

FAQs

• Is it too late to start? No—people of almost any age can benefit from appropriate exercise.
• Do I need a gym? No, many exercises can be done at home.
• How quickly will I improve? Many people notice benefits within 6–12 weeks.

Evidence

Progressive resistance training is the cornerstone of treatment. Recommendations are consistent with WHO physical activity guidance and geriatric exercise research.

Clinical Exercise: Strength Training

An elderly man with white hair and a white beard working out in a gym. He is performing a kettlebell exercise using a blue kettlebell, wearing a light gray t-shirt, dark shorts, and white sneakers. The gym has large windows, various exercise equipment, and a person in the background.

What is it?

Strength training preserves muscle, bone and independence.

Treatment & Prevention

Train all major muscle groups at least twice weekly and progress gradually.

When should I seek advice?

Seek professional advice if you have concerns about exercising safely.

FAQs

• Is it too late to start? No—people of almost any age can benefit from appropriate exercise.
• Do I need a gym? No, many exercises can be done at home.
• How quickly will I improve? Many people notice benefits within 6–12 weeks.

Evidence

Improves strength, function and metabolic health. Recommendations are consistent with WHO physical activity guidance and geriatric exercise research.

Clinical Exercise: Balance Training & Falls Prevention

A woman practicing yoga on a rocky ledge by the ocean at sunset, balancing on one leg with arms raised and palms pressed together overhead.

What is it?

Balance exercises reduce the risk of falls and improve confidence.

Treatment & Prevention

Tai Chi, single-leg balance, lower limb strengthening and home safety measures are effective.

When should I seek advice?

Seek professional advice if you have concerns about exercising safely.

FAQs

• Is it too late to start? No—people of almost any age can benefit from appropriate exercise.
• Do I need a gym? No, many exercises can be done at home.
• How quickly will I improve? Many people notice benefits within 6–12 weeks.

Evidence

Structured programmes reduce falls in older adults. Recommendations are consistent with WHO physical activity guidance and geriatric exercise research.