Aging, Physical Activity, and Disease Prevention 2012

Sociodemographic changes have led to an increase of aging in the society [1]. The biological and physiological changes of aging are primarily associated with a decline in muscle mass ranging from 1% to 2% per year past the age of 50, strength, endurance, and the inability to maintain balance [2]. Furthermore, the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases rise with age resulting in a slowing of movements, imbalance, immobility, falls, and disability. Recent studies revealed an increase of disability among the older population [3, 4]. Age older than 84 years, lower education levels, obesity, comorbid conditions, not practicing physical activity, and sleeping more than 8 hours per day have been associated with higher disability [4]. Some studies have shown that elderly women are less active as well. Self-perceived health is worse in subjects with a greater number of comorbid conditions and disability and is considered a barrier for participation in exercise programmes [5]. Age of 80 years and beyond, more than 2 comorbid chronic conditions, and obesity have been shown to be associated with a lower likelihood of practicing leisure time physical activity [6]. Similarly, older people (age ≥80 years), those taking a greater number of medications for chronic conditions, obese, and with worse self-perceived health status tended to have a relatively lower physical fitness [5]. Besides health conditions, other factors might also affect physical activity. Some studies have shown that people who were physically active throughout their life keep the habit of exercising in old age. However, the time potentially available for leisure time physical activity depends on the amount of time required for paid employment, family, and daily mobility requirements. The time budget seems to be the most limited for middle-aged adults with job and family. Thus, many middle-aged adults give up leisure time sports and do not start participating in sports again [7, 8]. A sedentary life style is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and musculoscelettal disorders [9]. There is a growing body of literature showing that regular exercise benefits well-being and health condition and leads to an increasing quality of life. Physical activity (PA) has been considered one key element for determining health status [3, 10]. Furthermore, physical activity improves mood and cognitive function [11]. Older adults who are physically active are c. 21% (P ≤ .05) less likely than their counterparts to be diagnosed with …