Abstract des Autors

Reasons for recommending regular physical activity to the older individual include the potential for both a prolongation of working career and an avoidance of partial or total dependency in the final years of life. In both the workplace and the activities of daily living, the performance of elderly subjects is enhanced by training-induced increases of aerobic power and muscle strength. The effects of a well-designed training programme can offer the equivalent of a 20-year reduction in biological age. During the retirement years, valuable functional gains are also realized through improved reaction speed, enhanced flexibility, stronger bones, and improved metabolism. A reduced risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and osteoporosis eliminates much chronic disability and can extend overall lifespan by 1-2 years. More importantly, the improved functional ability curtails the 8-10 years of terminal disability seen in a typical sedentary person. An exercise regimen may thus extend the quality-adjusted life-expectancy by several additional years. The physiological mechanisms underlying the deterioration in physical performance are briefly reviewed. In most instances, the functional disturbances can be at least partially reversed by exercise, although the inherent rate of aging is not greatly changed. Training responses occur somewhat more slowly than in younger persons, but the physiological mechanisms of benefit are generally similar in young and older individuals. Verf.-Referat