What types of exercises are recommended for healthy older adults? Is a walking program sufficient for improved health? Are there any benefits for resistance training during this phase of life?
Older adults” typically refers to anyone age 65 years or older, but it is important to realize that this age group includes a wide range of fitness and health. Unfortunately, age-related physiological changes result in declines in functional capacity that can impact activities of daily living (5) (see examples of physiological changes in Box 1). In addition, physical activity levels, both aerobic and muscular, decline across the life span (Fig. 1) (4). Thus, the aging process includes factors related to the passage of time (primary aging) and effects caused by lifestyle behaviors and chronic disease (secondary aging) (5). Genetic influences are another potential factor, with potential interactions with both age-associated declines and secondary aging (5).
One of the goals related to exercise throughout the life span is “healthy aging,” which means minimizing the impact of chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus) on day-to-day life. Individuals with higher fitness during midlife often experience a delayed onset of chronic conditions. Specifically, higher midlife fitness was related to a lower burden of chronic diseases within the last 5 years of life (11). Strength and aerobic-based training can improve functional fitness (8). Thus, a complete exercise program is important throughout the life span