[Exercise as prevention of illness in the elderly]

The physiologic changes of the different organs in the elderly result in a diminishing efficiency of the organism and its capability of adapting to new and unusual conditions. Accordingly, physical exercise has to be seen and assessed as prevention of illness in old age. In terms of prevention exercise training is taking the first place within the five different types of physical activities. The other types (coordination, flexibility, strength, rapidity) have to be handled with special conditions, whose importance must be assessed individually. The importance of exercise, physical activities, and sports is increasing especially in preventing coronary artery disease. Metabolic diseases, hypertension, impairment of cerebral functions and also diseases of the musculoskeletal system are improving under suitable physical training. General training exercise training slows down the loss of cardiopulmonal efficiency due to progredient aging. Risks and benefits of physical training have to be deliberated very carefully in considering the state of health of the elderly.