The increasing proportion of adults older than 65 years of age
in developed countries is not only reflected in the US but also
in Hong Kong where the proportion of this age group is expected
to reach 28% by 2039. There is a high burden of associated
physical and mental problems with this age group which have
major social and economic impact. Furthermore, high levels of
inactivity (30-40%) in the Hong Kong older population contribute
to their burden of disease. In 1995, 25% had type 2 diabetes,
53%% had hypertension, and 64% had hyperlipidemia (elevated
cholesterol or fat in the blood). Even fewer in the U.S.
population, only 25%, meet the public health recommendations for
physical activity (30 minutes, 5 days per week, of moderate
intensity) based on self-reported non-occupational physical
activity, a level that has not changed for the past decade. We
also have a similar burden of disease as the Hong Kong older
population. Epidemiological and clinical studies have clearly
shown the benefits of exercise on hea