ABSTRACT
According to the World Health Organization, physical activity includes any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure—including activities undertaken while working, playing, carrying out household chores, traveling, and engaging in recreational pursuits. Older adults are a diverse and heterogeneous group regardless of where they live. Rurality is not the determining factor on whether one can be physically active. Approaches to physical activity that have success in rural areas include home exercise; neighbor or buddy system activities; and church and community programs that include participation at recreation centers and health centers. Physical activity benefits everyone, and for older adults living in rural areas, there is no discrimination regarding race, ethnic background, sex, functional ability, or age. To increase levels of physical activity among older adults living in rural areas, it is important to look at why physical activity should be a part of every older adult’s life.
