Interventions for human frailty: Physical activity as a model

Abstract

In the last 100 years, populations in developed countries have experienced an unprecedented addition of 30 years to life expectancy. Developing countries are now experiencing this same phenomenon, but over a shorter time frame. With this success comes the challenge of maximizing health and vitality across these added years. The compression of morbidity to the latest point in the human life span could unleash a sustained third demographic dividend that benefits all of society. To accomplish this, society needs to invest in the prevention and treatment of frailty, as well as in the prevention of chronic diseases at every age and stage of life. A model intervention, physical activity, may offer a road map.