'Ageing' is now thought to be an exercise deficiency syndrome Exercise throughout life, even in old age, can reduce disability and disease towards the end of life

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Ageing, as we know it in modern society is, in many ways, an exercise deficiency syndrome. This implys that we have far more control over the rate and extent of the ageing process than we previously thought. In various studies around the world, the prevalence of both vigorous and less vigorous exercise declines progressively with age. Ageing is usually associated with a decline in function. However, whether this decline in function is an inevitable phenomenon of ageing or whether it relates to changes over which we may have some control requires further investigation.

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An exercise intervention study in mid-life has been shown to compress morbidity (measured with disability score) towards the end of life (Fries, 1996). The subjects who belonged to a 'Runner's club' in mid-life had significantly less disability in their 80's compared with controls. Whilst evidence points to the value of early and life-long regular physical activity, recent evidence underscores just how much gain survivors can get from the combination of endurance and strength training well into later life, with studies available with people well into their eighties. In other words, physical activity in old age can defer disease and disability to the period before death. Physical Activity not only plays a role in physical fitness, it has also been shown to improve mental health and cognitive function, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and enhance feelings of well being in older people.

 

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