Physical activity and functional limitations 

SBI contributors 

Dr. Fabio Franzese

Project description

Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining independence and preventing functional decline as we age. Research increasingly shows that staying active—whether through walking, exercise, or even simple daily tasks—can reduce the risk of limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), which are key markers of older adults’ ability to live independently. For example, studies using step counts and other objective activity measures find that even modest increases in daily activity can lower the likelihood of developing mobility or self-care impairments over time. 

Informal caregivers are a particularly interesting group in this context. While caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding, potentially limiting opportunities for exercise, evidence from large European studies suggests caregivers are not necessarily less active than non-caregivers. In some cases, caregiving is associated with higher levels of vigorous activity, highlighting the complex relationship between caregiving responsibilities and personal health behaviours. 

Beyond overall activity levels, specific physical measures – like handgrip strength or the ability to lift modest weights – have emerged as simple but powerful predictors of age-related disorders, including fractures and mobility loss. Tracking these indicators can help identify individuals at risk and inform strategies to maintain functional independence across older populations. 

Together, this body of research underscores the dual importance of encouraging regular physical activity and monitoring functional markers to support healthy ageing and reduce the future burden of care. 

Status

Active

Selected publications 

Qaisar, R., Hussain, M. A., Franzese, F., Karim, A., Ahmad, F., Awad, A., Alsaeed, M. & Alkahtani, S. A. (2025). The Simple Task of Lifting Five Kilograms Serves as a Predictor of Age-Related Disorders in Old Adults. Scientific Reports, 15, 17833. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03128-y 

Qaisar, R., Hussain, M. A., Franzese, F., Karim, A., Ahmad, F., Awad, A., Al-Masri, A., & Alkahtani, S. (2024). Predictors of the onset of low handgrip strength in Europe: a longitudinal study of 42,183 older adults from 15 countries. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 36 (162). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-024-02800-z 

Hussain, M. A., Qaisar, R., Karim, A., Ahmad, F., Franzese, F., Awad, A., Al-Masri, A., Alsaad, M., & Alkahtani, S. (2024). Predictors of hip fracture in 15 European countries: a longitudinal study of 48,533 geriatric adults using SHARE dataset. Archives of Osteoporosis 19(60). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-024-01420-4 

Franzese, F., & Benjamin, C. (2025). Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and ADL/IADL Impairment: A Two-Year Follow-up Analysis. SHARE Working Paper Series 97-2025, SHARE-ERIC.