Anderson D, et al. – This paper aimed to review research on the impact of leisure–time and general physical activity levels on physical and cognitive decline in postmenopausal women and in a systematic review of the literature, empirical literature from 2009 to 2013 is reviewed to explore the potential impact of either commencing or sustaining physical activity on older women’s health. These findings suggest that programs should facilitate and support women to participate in regular exercise by embedding physical activity programs in public health initiatives, by developing home–based exercise programs that require few resources and by creating interventions that can incorporate physical activity within a healthy lifestyle.

The review also suggests that clinicians should consider prescribing exercise in a tailored manner for older women to ensure that it is of a high enough intensity to obtain the positive sustained effects of exercise.