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Exercise as Medicine for Longevity: Unlocking the Benefits of Physical...
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Exercise as Medicine for Longevity: Unlocking the Benefits of Physical Activity in Older Adults

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Health and Preventive Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2027 | Viewed by 2173

Editors

Dr. Susana López-Ortiz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
Interests: physical activity; exercise; aging; health science
Dr. Saul Peñín-Grandes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
Interests: physical; exercise; quality of life; older people

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The pursuit of longevity and healthy aging has become a cornerstone of modern science. Among the various lifestyle factors that influence longevity, physical activity stands out as an effective and accessible means of promoting health and unlocking the benefits of a longer lifespan. It is increasingly recognized that exercise not only serves to prevent disease but also mitigates the functional impairments associated with aging. In this sense, exercise combats sarcopenia, improves cardiovascular health, regulates metabolism, and reduces inflammation. In addition, exercise offers neuroprotective benefits and promotes mental well-being. This makes it a comprehensive and holistic approach to unlocking the full potential of healthy aging.

This Special Issue, "Exercise as Medicine for Longevity: Unlocking the Benefits of Physical Activity in Older Adults", explores cutting-edge research and theoretical and practical strategies to harness exercise for healthy aging.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue by submitting original research articles, meta-analysis, or systematic reviews that explore functional effects or practical applications of exercise to promote healthy aging and improve longevity.

This Special Issue aims to redefine how exercise can improve the aging process by providing a comprehensive understanding of its multiple benefits.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • The positive impact of exercise on aging and longevity;
  • Benefits of exercise in cardiovascular, metabolism, and musculoskeletal health in older adults;
  • The role of exercise in improving functional capacity in older adults;
  • Development and impact of exercise programs tailored to the needs and health status of older adults;
  • Psychological and cognitive benefits of exercise in older adults.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Susana López-Ortiz
Dr. Saul Peñín-Grandes
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • aging
  • physical activity
  • exercise
  • longevity
  • elderly

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 437 KB  
Article
Caregiver Qualities and Resident Satisfaction in Long-Term Care: Mediating Roles of Spending Time and Environment
by Xiaoli Li, Cheng Yin and Elias Mpofu
Healthcare 2026, 14(7), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14070897 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 503
Abstract
Background: Caregiver and resident interactions are important to resident satisfaction with long-term care (LTC). However, these are variously operationalized, and caregiver–resident interactions of “spending time” (activity and autonomy) and environmental quality are less well investigated modifiable factors to inform LTC resident support [...] Read more.
Background: Caregiver and resident interactions are important to resident satisfaction with long-term care (LTC). However, these are variously operationalized, and caregiver–resident interactions of “spending time” (activity and autonomy) and environmental quality are less well investigated modifiable factors to inform LTC resident support policies for health aging. Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional study analyzed secondary survey data from 326 long-term care facility (LTCF) residents (aged ≥60) across Shanghai, Nanjing, and Changsha, China. Satisfaction was measured using the Chinese version of the Ohio Long-Term Care Resident Satisfaction Survey. Caregiver Qualities served as the primary predictor, with spending time and environment as parallel mediators. Analysis adjusted for age cohort, functional independence, and length of stay. Results: Caregiver qualities were positively associated with overall satisfaction (β = 0.30, p < 0.01). Spending time (effect = 0.14, 95% CI: −0.01 to 0.30) and environment quality (effect = 0.05, 95% CI: −0.03 to 0.15) showed non-significant mediated pathways between caregiver qualities and satisfaction, but the combined indirect effect of these domains was statistically significant (effect = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.36). The direct association between caregiver qualities and satisfaction remained significant after accounting for these mediators (effect = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.61). Conclusions: These findings clarify how caregiver interactions are important to resident satisfaction both directly and indirectly through spending time, activity engagement, and environmental perceptions. To promote longevity and healthy aging in LTCFs, providers should prioritize caregiver training that fosters resident autonomy, supports daily activity, and maintains age-responsive care environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise as Medicine for Longevity: Unlocking the Benefits of Physical Activity in Older Adults)
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14 pages, 5541 KB  
Article
Effects of a 6-Month Educational Program on Blood Pressure in Pre-Frail and Frail Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Laura Ávila-Cabeza-de-Vaca, Alba Mier-Perulero, Lacrimioara Tania Tirnovan, Manuel Costilla, Cristina Casals, Andrea González-Mariscal and Juan Corral-Pérez
Healthcare 2026, 14(6), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14060756 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 554
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Maintaining healthy blood pressure (BP) is essential in the frailty phenotype to prevent cardiovascular events. This study examined the effects of a 6-month educational program on BP in community-dwelling pre-frail or frail older adults. Methods: In this multicenter randomized controlled [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Maintaining healthy blood pressure (BP) is essential in the frailty phenotype to prevent cardiovascular events. This study examined the effects of a 6-month educational program on BP in community-dwelling pre-frail or frail older adults. Methods: In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, 210 community-dwelling older adults (145 women; 74 ± 6 years) meeting at least one of Fried’s frailty criteria were assigned to a control group (usual care; n = 95) or an intervention group (educational program; n = 115). The 6-month intervention consisted of an educational program that provided recommendations on physical activity, nutrition, cognition, and psychosocial well-being, delivered through four group sessions and six telephone calls. Systolic BP and diastolic BP were measured at baseline and after 6 months, and categorized as normal, high-normal, or hypertensive (systolic: <130, 130–139, ≥140 mmHg; diastolic: <85, 85–89, ≥90 mmHg, respectively). Results: A significant reduction in systolic BP was observed within the intervention group (Z = −2.84, p < 0.01, r = 0.27), increasing the proportion of participants with normal systolic BP by 16% and reducing the proportion of participants with high-normal and hypertensive systolic BP by 8% each (χ2 (3) = 9.21, p = 0.03). No significant changes were observed in the control group (p > 0.05), nor were there significant effects for diastolic BP in any study group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that this educational program may be a feasible complementary non-pharmacological strategy to improve systolic BP, a key cardiovascular risk factor, in community-dwelling pre-frail and frail older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise as Medicine for Longevity: Unlocking the Benefits of Physical Activity in Older Adults)
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13 pages, 498 KB  
Article
Physical Activity as a Predictor of Emotional Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women
by Adrianna Maria Kosior-Lara, Jacek Wąsik, Małgorzata Kuchta, Dorota Ortenburger and Agnieszka Pluto-Prądzyńska
Healthcare 2026, 14(4), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14040466 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 470
Abstract
Introduction: The postmenopausal period is characterized by significant biological and psychosocial changes that can impact women’s physical activity levels and overall quality of life. Physical activity is recognized as one of the key modifiable factors promoting mental health. Still, its role in [...] Read more.
Introduction: The postmenopausal period is characterized by significant biological and psychosocial changes that can impact women’s physical activity levels and overall quality of life. Physical activity is recognized as one of the key modifiable factors promoting mental health. Still, its role in shaping the emotional domains of quality of life in postmenopausal women remains insufficiently recognized. The study aimed to assess the relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life in postmenopausal women, with particular emphasis on the emotional domains of quality of life, and to determine the role of selected sociodemographic factors. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 174 postmenopausal women. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), while quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc analysis, and multiple linear regression were used, taking into account age and BMI. Results: Higher levels of physical activity were significantly associated with better emotional well-being, higher energy levels, and a more favourable overall health assessment. Physical activity emerged as the strongest and independent variable statistically associated with the emotional domains of quality of life. Educational level and occupational group differentiated the level of physical activity and emotional well-being. Conclusions: Physical activity is an important and independent predictor of emotional quality of life in postmenopausal women. The results emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity as part of mental health prevention in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise as Medicine for Longevity: Unlocking the Benefits of Physical Activity in Older Adults)
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