A panel of exercise experts has formulated the Dutch Standard for Healthy Exercise in 1998. The primary goal is to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and to extend life span. According to the standard, young people under the age of 18 should do at least one hour of moderately intensive exercise every day. Adults (aged 18-55) require at least thirty minutes of moderately intensive exercise at least five days a week and preferably seven days a week. The same applies to over-55s, but moderately intensive exercise for over-55s assumes a lower level of intensity than in the case of 18 to 55-year-olds. Back to article