A client asks how much moderate-intensity physical activity adults should get per week to maintain health. What is the current recommendation?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS (2nd edition) recommends for adults:

Aerobic activity: at least 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity (like brisk walking, casual biking, water aerobics) OR 75-150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity (like running, swimming laps, aerobic dance) OR an equivalent combination. Additional health benefits occur with more than 300 minutes.

Muscle-strengthening: activities of moderate or greater intensity involving all major muscle groups, 2 or more days per week (resistance training, body-weight exercises, heavy gardening).

Sitting less: any physical activity, even just reducing sitting time, has health benefits. CHILDREN (6-17): 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous activity per day; include vigorous intensity and muscle/bone-strengthening activities on at least 3 days/week.

Older adults: same recommendations as adults + add balance activities to prevent falls; 'some is better than none' is emphasized. HEALTH BENEFITS OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers; weight management; improved bone and muscle health; improved mental health (reduces depression, anxiety); improved sleep; reduced risk of falls in older adults.

Nursing role: assess current activity levels; provide individualized guidance; help identify realistic ways to increase activity; reinforce that ANY activity is better than none — even breaking up long sitting periods with short walks; connect to community resources (walking programs, gym, senior center fitness).