Fitness and aging

Decades of research support the fact that much of the age-related deterioration is due to the

effects of sedentary lifestyles and the development of medical conditions rather than to ageing.

This paradigm is exemplified by older professional athletes who outperform their historical

cohorts and even some younger peers. Many middle-aged non-elite adults and retirees

continue to be increasingly involved in the middle ages and beyond. The ever-growing body of

basic science and clinical evidence shows how active people modulate physical deterioration

through exercise. Updated knowledge of how healthy people defy their age helps orthopedic

surgeons not only control the success of their patients, but also better their lives. A significant

segment of sedentary seniors will benefit from therapy that promotes the promotion of more

active and safe lifestyles.

Approximately one third of the initial volume of muscle is lost in human existence. About half of

the physical deterioration associated with aging could be due to lack of physical activity.

Without physical exercise, people over the age of 50 may have a number of health issues,

including decrease in muscle mass is responsible for decreased muscle strength, physical

weakness, drops, reduced mobility and functional decline. Age-related loss of muscle mass

explains age-related reductions in basal metabolic rate, oxygen intake, glucose utilization, and

bone density. In fact, many of the anatomical and physiological changes in sedentary people,

usually attributed to primary ageing processes, are due to lack of exercise. Recent studies have

shown that techniques for retaining muscle strength and mass among the elderly (such as daily

physical training) are more important for their functional independence.

Regular exercise helps people age more slowly and live better, more vigorous lives. And it also

allows people to live longer. The Harvard Alumni Study estimates indicate that men who

exercise regularly will gain about two hours of life expectancy for every hour of exercise. This

translates into about two more years in the span of a lifetime. Maximum gain includes daily

exercise over the years, but that doesn't mean you hit the gym every day. In reality, just 30

minutes of walking quickly every day is going a long way to improve your fitness. Regular

exercise helps people age more slowly and live better, more vigorous lives. And it also allows

people to live longer. We all know that exercise is important if you want to remain safe and live

longer. New research indicates that exercise at any dosage after age 40 can be the most

important period of all.