IOM Publishes Commentary on Physical Activity in Older People


April 10, 2015

Professor and Chair of the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Milken Institute School of Public Health, Loretta DiPietro, PhD, MPH, published a commentary April 6, 2015 on the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) website as part of the IOM’s Perspective Series which is connected to its Roundtable on Obesity Solutions. In the piece, DiPietro points out that physiologic function and resiliency decline with age, even among the most robust of older adults; however that decline can be significantly minimized by maintaining an active lifestyle.

DiPietro goes on to argue that much of the loss of function in older age can be linked to physical inactivity and extended periods of sitting throughout the day. Her prescription to keep an older body or anybody healthy: Work to achieve the public health recommendations of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity –preferably with a daily walk…or two or three.  

In fact, DiPietro’s own research shows that short 15-minute walks taken about 30 minutes after each meal can provide significant overall health benefits, including a reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Read the commentary, “Physical Activity in Older People,” and learn more about Professor DiPietro’s research on the benefits of walking.