EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY FOR OLDER ADULTS

By the year 2030, the number of individuals 65 yr and over will reach 70 million in the United States alone; persons 85 yr and older will be the fastest growing segment of the population. As more individuals li ve longer, it is imperative to determine the extent and mechanisms by which exercise and physical activity can improve health, functional ca pacity, quality of life, and independence in this population. Aging is a complex process involving many variables (e.g., genetics, lifestyle factors, chronic diseases) that interact with one another, greatly in fluencing the manner in which we age. Participation in regular physica l activity (both aerobic and strength exercises) elicits a number of f avorable responses that contribute to healthy aging. Much has been lea rned recently regarding the adaptability of various biological systems , as well as the ways that regular exercise can influence them. Partic ipation in a regular exercise program is an effective intervention/mod ality to reduce/prevent a number of functional declines associated wit h aging. Further, the trainability of older individuals (including oct o-and nonagenarians) is evidenced by their ability to adapt and respon d to both endurance and strength training. Endurance training can help maintain and improve various aspects of cardiovascular function (as m easured by maximal (V) over dot O-2, cardiac output, and arteriovenous O-2 difference), as well as enhance submaximal performance. Important ly, reductions in risk factors associated with disease states (heart d isease, diabetes, etc.) improve health status and contribute to an inc rease in life expectancy. Strength training helps offset the loss in m uscle mass and strength typically associated with normal aging. Additi onal benefits from regular exercise include improved bone health and. thus, reduction in risk for osteoporosis; improved postural stability, thereby reducing the risk of falling and associated injuries and frac tures; and increased flexibility and range of motion. While not as abu ndant, the evidence also suggests that involvement in regular exercise can also provide a number of psychological benefits related to preser ved cognitive function, alleviation of depression symptoms and behavio r, and an improved concept of personal control and self-efficacy. It i s important to note that while participation in physical activity may not always elicit increases in the traditional markers of physiologica l performance and fitness (e.g., (V) over dot O-2max, mitochondrial ox idative capacity, body composition) in older adults, it does improve h ealth (reduction in disease risk factors) and functional capacity. Thu s, the benefits associated with regular exercise and physical activity contribute to a more healthy, independent lifestyle, greatly improvin g the functional capacity and quality of life in this population.