Exercise, physical activity, and older adults

The worldwide population is aging, however, as we live longer, these extra years are not always spent in good health. Physical activity is an important component of facilitating good health in later life with value for both physical and psychological outcomes; however, experiencing visual impairment can negatively impact the ability to engage in this behavior. Interventions have been developed and trialed to increase physical activity in older adults with visual impairment, frequently with a focus on reducing falls risk. This chapter discusses the literature relating to exercise and physical activity in older adults with visual impairment, overviews the evidence for interventions designed to increase this behavior, and makes suggestions for future research and practice.