The Impact of Exercise on Age-Related Physiological Changes and Pathological Manifestations

Abstract

The most inactive Americans are over the age of 65. Age-related physiological changes affect the ability to perform certain types of exercise. The cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems are directly affected by these age-related changes, resulting in the modification of an exercise regimen. Individualized exercise programs depend on comorbidities, which limit the risks and maximize the benefits of exercise. Evidence supports the benefits of wellness exercise programs. The type of exercise beneficial for an individual is dependent on his or her overall health, disease state, and medications. Age-related physiological changes lead to the development of a wide range of chronic disorders that are often mistakenly assumed to be part of the normal aging process. The purpose of this article is to review the age-related physiological changes associated with exercise, the benefits and risks of exercise, and the wellness guidelines for initiating exercise in an individual over 65 years old. Included in this article is a discussion of the specific exercise guidelines for osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, psychological health, and diabetes mellitus.