Age, inactivity and some physiological responses to exercise

The quality of life in old age is crucially dependent upon the ability to pursue a variety of physical activities. Factors which affect the capacity for physical activity in the elderly should therefore be of interest both to individuals and to institutions concerned for the elderly. This is a review of literature pertinent to the problem of maintaining an adequate capacity for physical exercise into old age. It includes information about the interrelations between age, physical condition and physical working capacity; and the effects of training and inactivity upon all these parameters. Reduction in levels of habitual activity with age seems likely to cause or exacerbate deterioration in both exercise capacity and physical condition, setting up a vicious circle which eventually jeopardises the capacity for independent living. If so, efforts should be directed towards maintaining effective levels of habitual activity.