Independence: a new reason for recommending regular exercise to your patients.
There are many good reasons to advise regular and adequate physical activity: longevity seems extended by up to 2 years, and the risk of a wide range of chronic disorders is substantially reduced. However, from the viewpoint of the overall, quality-adjusted lifespan, perhaps the most important reason is the ability of physical activity to counter the relentless, age-related decrease in physical capacity (maximal aerobic power, muscle strength, flexibility, and balance). The case is detailed for maximal aerobic power, which deteriorates by about 5 mL/ [kg x min] for each decade of adult life. Independence is generally at risk when the maximal oxygen intake has dropped to 18 mL/ [kg x min] in men and 15 mL/ [kg x min] in women. A sedentary person typically reaches this threshold between 80 and 85 years old. However, regular physical activity can augment maximal oxygen transport by 5 to 10 mL/ [kg x min], setting back the need for institutional support by 10 to 20 years.
Shephard
Roy J
RJ
Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. royjshep@shaw.ca
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D011788:Quality of Life