Preventive effects of physical activity in older adults

Physical activity and aging:Physical activity prevents some age-related imp airment Physical activity reduces the decline of physical capacity which re mains limited by maximal heart rate, and reduces the incidence of cardiovas cular diseases by decreasing and preventing associated risk factors. Physic al activity reduces age-related bone loss, its effect being potentialized b y hormonal replacement therapy, and improves balance function, leading to a lower incidence of falls and fractures in older subjects. Physical activit y helps to preserve nutritional balance and lean mass/fat mass ratio and re duces age-related insulinoresistance. Moreover, physical activity has a ben eficial influence on psychological function by improving cognitive performa nces and decreasing incidence of depression. Lastly, physical activity seem s to reduce the incidence of several cancers, colic and mammary cancers par ticularly. Physical activity, quantity and quality of life :These multiple actions exp lain that physical activity, a its adapted to subjects specifities, increas es longevity, delay entry in dependence and improves quality of life in old er subjects. What are the recommended activities :There is a superiority of individualiz ed programs giving greater place to warm-up and associated endurance and re sistive exercises intended to improve simultaneously cardiovascular and mus cular functions. Special interests of physical activity in frail and very old subjects :Thro ughout its beneficial effects on aerobic capacity, muscular function, socia l integration, cognitive function and autonomy, physical activity may have a particular interest in frail subjects, when programs are adapted to physi cal capacities of these subjects and associated with nutritional supplement s.