Aerobic Exercise: A Key to Successful Aging

Exercise is a beneficial tool in aiding weight loss and improving symptoms of diabetes and heart disease. But now evidence supports the idea that exercise could help people better cope with the aging process. As age progresses, the capacity for aerobic exercise declines, and this decline is often accelerated by development of chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. However both observational and intervention research shows that exercise can increase peak oxygen consumption in the elderly in both healthy and disease states, and can exert beneficial effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, bone density, and quality of life. In other studies, resistance and balance training in the elderly have been associated with reduced fear of and risk for falls, a major health risk for this age group. It is recommended that adults engage in 150 minutes of physical activity per week, and continue exercising as they age. Physicians and communities should work towards increasing the low participation rates of older adults in home based and supervised exercise programs.

Fleg J. Exercise in the Elderly: A Key to Successful Aging. Discovery Medicine. 2012 Mar;13(70):223-8.