Intended for healthcare professionals

Rapid response to:

Editorials

Exercise in people over 85

BMJ 2020; 368 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m402 (Published 05 February 2020) Cite this as: BMJ 2020;368:m402

Linked Opinion

Exercise is the miracle cure

Rapid Response:

Re: Exercise in people over 85

Dear Editor

I acknowledge the need for a shift toward increased exercise particularly within the growing elderly population. However, this topic begs the question: is this mentality likely to see a shift based on generational values?

Currently, there is a trend tailored to living a more healthy and active lifestyle among the young adult and middle-aged population. This would suggest that such learned behaviour should translate into later life and that the eventual elderly population would continue to exercise their values.

Within the current geriatric population, it would be of value to investigate the general attitude towards exercise and fitness at their young-adult and middle-aged periods and perhaps apply this insight to avoid potential deterioration within the upcoming wave of geriatric patients.

Competing interests: No competing interests

07 February 2020
Cecylia Witkowski
FY1
NHS Grampian
NHS Scotland