An Overview of Physical Ability with Age:

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the expectations for health and physical activity in the third quarter of life (i.e., age 50 to 75 years) and the implications of these on the senior scholar. The health status of the elderly is presetned by examining mortality-based indicators, incidence of disease, restrictions and limitations of activities of daily living, respondent-assessed health status, and the number of physician visits. The topic of physiology of aging and exercise is also explored. The speciific organ systems examined are the sensory, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, metabolic, and neurologic systems. In summary, health does not seem to be a consideration in the feasibility of establishing an institute of senior scholars, particularly for those under the age of 85 years. In addition, differential morbidity data indicate scholars are in better health than society at large.