Exercise and the aging athlete introduction Aging athletes, defined as those athletes aged 60 years and older, represent an increasingly large percentage of physical activity participants.
Exercise and the aging athlete introduction Aging athletes, defined as those athletes aged 60 years and older, represent an increasingly large percentage of physical activity participants. From those who have been active for their entire lives to those who are newly active, aging athletes are now commonplace in sports medicine clinics around the world. Sports medicine providers should be comfortable discussing the benefits and limitations of exercise and an active lifestyle as people age.
By the year 2030 elderly adults over 65 years of age is estimated to comprise 20% of the population, and by 2050 the number of people 60 years old and over worldwide to be 21.1% or 2 billion. In an aging society, performance losses with age caused by a progressive decline in the reserve of organ functions affect the everyday lives of many. Mobility limitations connected to frailty and sarcopenia are often associated with a reduced quality of life.
A sedentary lifestyle contributes to a number of chronic diseases across physiological systems, such as the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and even cancer, that all have a significant detrimental impact on the quality of life in old age. Because of the increasing aging population in many countries throughout the world, much evidence shows that pharmacological treatment, in some instances, is indispensable during the aging process. However, a non-pharmacological approach can be just as effective if not more given it does not disrupt the normal bodily function of interest and be used in the prevention or management of the disease at hand.
According to Baar, exercise can broadly be grouped into subclasses: aerobic/endurance and strength/resistance. Complex interventional programs including resistance training are especially important to reverse frailty and sarcopenia and consequently decrease physical disability and early cognitive dysfunction (cognitive frailty) in older persons. This type of exercise focuses on the sarcopenic aspects of frailty, because about 70% of frailty is due to sarcopenia, which is defined as low muscle function or strength in the presence of low muscle mass.
All exercise stimulates brain blood flow, but this process depends on the type of activity and intensity. During steady-state walking, cycling, running, swimming, etc. Total brain blood flow increases in parallel with increasing cardiac output and VO2 consumption, although average arterial pressure remains constant.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to exercise and the aging athlete, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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