What is the recommended frequency for older adults when performing moderate-intensity exercise?

• A. 3-5 days per week (moderate) and 3 days per week (vigorous)
• B. 7 days per week
• C. Daily
• D. 2-3 days per week

Answer: (A)

For older adults, three to five days per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise provides the right balance of cardiovascular benefit and recovery. This frequency helps reach about 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, which can be broken into manageable sessions (for example, 30 minutes on five days). It supports ongoing health gains while allowing rest days as needed for safety and adherence. Scheduling daily workouts isn’t necessary for most, and doing only two to three days falls short of the weekly volume that supports cardiovascular health and functional ability. If some sessions are vigorous, those are typically placed on about three days per week, but the majority for older adults should remain moderate to reduce risk and improve consistency.