Physical activity and ageing: The role of physiotherapy in promoting healthy ageing

Abstract

Background: The global rise in the older population, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, has heightened the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 74% of global deaths and the leading cause for years lived with disability. Physical activity (PA) has proven to manage NCDs; however, 80% of older adults in sub-Saharan Africa engage in low-to-moderate PA levels.

Objectives: This literature review explores current evidence on the effects of PA on ageing and NCDs in older people in sub-Saharan Africa. Insights gained will enable physiotherapists to refine their PA prescriptions, aligning short-term rehabilitative goals with the broader scope NCD management while fostering principles of healthy ageing.

Method: Electronic searches were conducted in: PubMed, EBSCOhost (Academic Search Premier – Africa-Wide Information, CINAHL, Health Sources Premier), Scopus and Google-Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies published after 2010 related to PA, ageing, NCDs and older people (OP) in sub-Saharan Africa.

Results: A structured PA protocol, comprising aerobic activity at 60% – 79% of maximal heart rate and resistance training at 50% – 60% of one-repetition maximum (3 weekly sessions each), proved effective in reducing NCDs. Integrating lifestyle behaviour changes further enhanced outcomes, notably improving blood sugar management and cardiac health.

Conclusion: Structured aerobic and resistance PA, combined with lifestyle education, significantly reduces NCD risk factors in older adults, supporting healthy ageing.

Clinical implications: The current research base in the field of ageing in SSA is limited, indicating the need for non-pharmacological interventions to manage the prevalence of NCDs, including in mental/cognitive health, where PA has a direct influence.