Table 4

National PA recommendations for older adults (65+ years) in comparison with WHO recommendations

Country	Minimum duration, intensity and frequency of PA		Additional aspects		Reducing sitting/inactivity
Country	Same as WHO	Differences to WHO	Same as WHO	Differences to WHO	Reducing sitting/inactivity
WHO	150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic PA throughout the week, or at least 75 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA, or an equivalent combination of moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity PA. PA should be performed in bouts of at least 10 min. For additional health benefits, increase moderate PA to 300 min per week, or engage in 150 min of vigorous PA/an equivalent combination of both.		Muscle-strengthening involving major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week. Older adults with poor mobility should perform PA to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.
Austria	√		√
Belgium (Flanders)	√		√		√
Denmark		PA for at least 30 min per day. PA should be moderate to high intensity and should extend beyond the usual short-term daily activities. If the 30 min are divided, each activity should last at least 10 min.		PA at least twice a week for at least 20 min to maintain/improve physical fitness and muscle/bone strength. Stretching exercises at least twice a week for at least 10 min to maintain/improve flexibility. Regular exercise to maintain/improve balance.
Estonia	√		√	PA to enhance balance and coordination at least twice a week.	√
Finland	√		√		√
France		At least 30 min of moderate-intensity PA per day, at least five times per week; or 15 min per day of vigorous-intensity PA, at least five times per week; or a combination of moderate-intensity and high-intensity PA.	√	Activities to increase flexibility on two or more days a week.	√
Germany	√		√		√
Greece		At least 30 min/day in bouts of at least 10 min.	√	Exercises for improving balance and coordination at least two times/week.	√
Ireland		At least 30 min on 5 days a week, or 150 min/week		Focus on aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening and balance (2–3 days/week).
Latvia	√		√
Lithuania		At least 30 min of moderate-intensity PA every day in bouts of at least 10 min duration. As an alternative, no less than 10–15 min of high-intensity PA daily (at least 75 min per week) or an appropriate combination of moderate-intensity and high-intensity PA.	√		√
Luxembourg	√		√
Malta		At least 30 min of moderate-intensity PA on 5 days per week, or 20 min of vigorous-intensity PA on 3 days per week, or an equivalent combination of moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity PA.	√	Additional activities that promote improved strength, coordination and balance are recommended.
The Netherlands	√	Minimum bouts of PA can be less than 10 min.	√		√
Slovenia	√		√
Spain	√			Muscle strength and balance training at least three times/week.	√
Sweden	√		√		√
UK	√		√	Older adults at risk of falls should do balance and coordination training on at least 2 days a week.	√

PA, physical activity.