Aging and inactivity-capitalizing on the protective effect of planned physical activity in old age

Abstract

The paper discusses two parallel biocultural trends-aging and inactivity. The principle of economy in movement in modern society versus the dependency of human beings on movement for their development and health is described. The results of inactivity are sometimes mistakenly considered irreversible losses caused by aging, but in actual fact, inactivity accelerates the irreversible losses caused by the aging process. The paper then describes the contribution of physical activity in terms of increasing positive aspects or decreasing risks: increasing life expectancy or decreasing risk of mortality, increasing cardiovascular fitness or decreasing risk of cardiovascular disease, increasing muscle mass or decreasing falls and instability, improving cognitive performance or reducing cognitive decline and neurological disorders, and improving well-being or reducing depression. The optimal dose of physical activity is then described, followed by recommendations for further research on mechanisms determining physical activity behavior. © European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity (EGREPA) 2009.