ABSTRACT The proces of aging is ass...

ABSTRACT

The proces of aging is associated with numerous changes in all bodily classifications that ultimately manifest in a decline in peak physiologic function. Preservation of functional ability in advanced age is predicated upon maintenance of the 4 composings of fitness-cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular force and endurance, flexibility, and visible form [i]or[/i] frame composition-each of which show changes with aging that adversely impact functional ability. A requisite awareness and understanding of the validitys of aging on the component parts of fitness and understanding of the part of exercise as intervention is of paramount importance. This review not absents underlying changes and adaptations within each component part of fitness and the results on overall physiologic capacity from the more open changes underlying declining aerobic capacity, pulmonary function, and flexibility, to the more latent changes of the like kind as demineralization of bone leading to changes in visible form [i]or[/i] frame composition and the contraction-specific decline in the force generating capacity of skeletal muscle. Because exercise and physical activity have been shown to attenuate or delay many of the agerelated changes in the ingredients of fitness, recommendations and guidelines for exercise prescription are furnished in the context of the these changes.

INTRODUCTION

In the 30-year period from 1965-1995 the United States has witnessed an evolution in the make of the age classes evidenced at an 82% increase in those through the whole extent of the age of 65 years. Representing 13% of the population in 1995 instant estimates are that by the year 2005 those through the whole extent of the age of 65 will account for 20% of the population in the United States. Additional evidence of the increased population of older adults is noted in those from one side of to the other the age of 85 years, considered the 'old old' which is the fastest growing part of the population.1

The proces of aging in humans is characterized by the agency of a multitude of changes in all bodily schemes that ultimately result in a decreased capacity to function.2 Although the incidence of pathology and co-morbidity is greater in older populations than in younger, the proces of aging itself is nonpathological and readys in a variety of changes manifesting in reduc functional capacity.3 While variability exists in defining an older population, many of the physiologic changes becoming to aging are observable through the middle of the sixth decade.

While greater variability exists in the general health status of older adults than in younger, single principle remains constant-functional ability at any age is predicated onward maintenance of fitness. Fitness, a familiar unless often enigmatic term, encompasses 4 distinct health-related components: (1) cardiorespiratory endurance, (2) muscular solidity and endurance, (3) flexibility, and (4) corpse composition. Nonpathological, yet adverse, age-related declines in the 4 component parts of fitness are considered pre-disposing factors to the declining functional status of the older population. While it is difficult to differentiate what changes in functional ability are to be ascribed to aging itself and which are secondary to disuse atrophy and diminished activity, lack of activity is, to a greater quality responsible for the decline in functional ability observ during aging. However, data have shown that many of the adverse age-related changes in the 4 constitutings of fitness can be attenuated or revers with exercise.4

As the number of older adults in the population steadily increases, the impending ne for greater knowledge of the imports of aging on the constituents of fitness and understanding of the character of exercise as intervention becomes evident. Because evidence continues to exhibit to that disease onset, rate of progression, and severity in older adults may be thwarted delayed, or attenuated with physical activity, knowledge and consideration of age-related changes in fitness is necessary to provide efficacious care to the older population.5 Therefore, it is our intent to near a review of age-related changes in fitness and to ready current guidelines, recommendations, and special considerations for exercise in older adults.

AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN THE constituents OF FITNESS

Cardiorespiratory Endurance

The major age-related changes in the 4 principal composings of fitness are listed in Table 1 Peak physiological function generally come to one's minds prior to age 30 and thereafter undergoe an age-related decline of 075% to 1% through year.6 The cardiorespiratory system, not immune to so changes, shows a significant decline in the capacity for aerobic activity. Maximal oxygen consumption, the primary measure of cardiorespiratory function, decreases 5% to 15% through decade after the age of 25 years.7 The greatest rate of decline appears to be met with after age 40 such, that by dint of age 65, there is an approximate 30% decline in maximal oxygen consumption." In absolute names maximal oxygen consumption shows an average annual decrease of 0.28 ml.kg^sup -1^.min^sup -1^ to 104 mlkg^sup -1^.min^sup -1^ beginning in the early 20s9 This decline is largely mediated at age-related decreases in maximal cardiac output heart rate, and arteriovenous difference.10-13