Aging, genes and lack of physical activity are basic factors that cause reduction of operations and abilities of our body. It has been calculated that individuals with reduced physical activity, show lack of aerobic ability almost 8-10% every 10 years after the age of 30. On the contrary individuals with increased aerobic activity show inly 4%. The reduction of aerobic ability has relation with reduced application of body work, while is related with increased frequency of coronary disease and other infections.
After the age of 60, muscular strength is reduced more than 60% in comparison with the strength of the age of 30 and it variates of course depending the muscles.
Changes observed in our body by time
- Increase of body fat percentage and reduction of muscular mass
- Reduction of VO2max and ability of respiratory system
- Reduction of bone mass
- Reduction of flexibility and agility
- Reduction of muscular strength and aerobic ability
- Sleep disorders and memory loss
Physical activity benefits
Physical activity and exercise slow down and sometimes, prevent aging effects. With exercise, the rhythm of metabolism increases, so obesity is avoided and cardiovascular risk is reduced. Also, balance is improved, so falls and accidents are avoided. Strength is improved, so the ability to perform movements daily is getting easier. Stamina gets better because of aerobic exercise, walking, running, swimming, etc. Studies have proved that aerobic exercise during years has increased VO2max by 15-20%. Some scientists say that the ability of respiratory system of a trained individual of 65 years old, is at the same level of the one, of an individual of 25 years old that doesn’t exercise.
Therefore, most important improvement that’s observed is in the aerobic ability. Also, in the heart, exercise after years causes great increase of cardiac output, almost 10-15% and less increase in pulse volume. Finally, exercise reinforces psychology, improves the capability for work or leisure, offers life extension and better quality of life.