Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for older adults: an umbrella review
Alison Doyle

Date and Time

Thursday, November 12, 2026, 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM

Theme / Track

Ageing well, longevity and social context

Presentation Format

Concurrent

INTRODUCTION: Even small amounts of physical activity (PA) can substantially improve health, yet most older adults remain insufficiently active. A wide range of behavioural, technology-based, and clinical interventions has been developed to enhance PA engagement in this population. As systematic reviews on these interventions have become ubiquitous across the literature, an umbrella review provides a rigorous and timely approach to synthesise this expanding evidence base. This review aims to consolidate current findings to inform on effective strategies to support healthy ageing. METHODS: Seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Ovid Emcare, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched for systematic reviews examining PA interventions in adults aged ≥60 years. Eligibility criteria, guided by the PICOS framework, included reviews of randomised controlled trials reporting objective (e.g., accelerometry) or subjective (e.g., questionnaires) PA outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2, and findings were synthesised narratively by intervention type, PA outcomes, and secondary health outcomes. PRELIMINARY RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Fifteen systematic reviews (2017–2025), comprising 239 unique studies, were included. Interventions were associated with small-to-moderate improvements in PA, with activity-based and wearable interventions demonstrating the most consistent effects. Step-based outcomes showed the highest proportion of favourable results, whereas physiological and psychosocial outcomes demonstrated limited or inconsistent benefits. Effects were generally strongest in the short term and attenuated over time. Methodological quality was predominantly low to critically low, although overlap between reviews was slight. Overall, PA interventions can improve activity levels in older adults, however, the sustainability of effects remains uncertain.

Keywords

Community, Exercise, Future Directions, Wellness / Well Being

Authors

Dr Ty Ferguson
Dr Ashleigh Smith
Dr Maddison Mellow
Ms Britt Burton
Dr Ben Singh