Midlife Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Healthy Aging: An Observational Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Preventive Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is linked to reduced chronic disease and mortality risk.
• The relationship between midlife CRF and broader healthy aging outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between midlife cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and later-life health span, disease burden, and lifespan.
• To analyze these associations in adults who maintained apparent health until age 65.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study of 24,576 participants from the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study (CCLS) linked to Medicare claims.
• Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) assessed via maximal treadmill test before age 65; 11 major chronic conditions identified from Medicare data.
• Multivariable illness-death models used to calculate health span, disease burden, and lifespan by CRF level (low, moderate, high).

Main Results:

• Higher midlife CRF was associated with a longer health span and lifespan, and fewer diseases in both men and women.
• Individuals with higher CRF experienced later onset of major chronic conditions (cardiovascular, kidney, metabolic, cancer) by at least 1.5 years.
• Findings were consistent across various subgroups, including age, smoking status, and weight status.

Conclusions:

• Elevated midlife cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is significantly associated with enhanced health span, reduced multimorbidity, and increased lifespan.
• Promoting higher CRF in midlife may be a key strategy for promoting healthy aging.