Since average life expectancy has improved in the last century, the percentage of the elderly population has been gradually increased. The World Health Organization makes a statement that health is a state of not only the absence of disease, but also complete physical, mental or social well being. For this reason, exercise is broadly recommended for almost all the elderly.

The benifits of exercise for the elderly include a significant reduction in risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension,

diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and a improvement of cardiovascular fitness, independency in activities associated with daily living, and the quality of life.

This article gives an account of the benifits and considerations of regular exercise in the elderly, and critically reviews the literature on proper intensity, duration, frequency, and type of exercise at both aerobic/endurance training and strength/resistance training prescribed in older adults. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 121-126)