J Korean Med Assoc.  2007 Mar;50(3):240-251. 10.5124/jkma.2007.50.3.240.

Antiaging and Exercise

• Jin YS

• KMID: 2184806
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2007.50.3.240

Abstract

Aging decreases independent daily activity and reduction in physical activity level by decreasing the functional level of the body. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle has been confirmed as an important risk factor for chronic disease morbidity and mortality. Although many studies have been performed on the inhibition or prevention policy in aging, physical activity has proven the most effective way to improve loss of muscle strength or each organ hypo-function. The purpose of this article is to describe the aging process patterns including four categories: musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, mental condition, and brain function and the relationship of these changes to physical functions and exercise. There is encouraging evidence that moderate exercise or physical activity may provide positive effects in four categories: (1) improvement of strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance; (2) increasing the cardiovascular system; (3) alleviating depression and psychological problems; and (4) decreasing dementia and improvement of cognitive function in elderly people. Exercise or regular physical activity ultimately decreases mortality and leads to an increased life span. The implication for future policy in terms of research, study, and training programs are briefly discussed.

Keyword

Aging; Exercise; Physical activity; Elderly fitness; Sarcopenia; Brain aging

MeSH Terms

Aged
Aging
Brain
Cardiovascular System
Chronic Disease
Dementia
Depression
Education
Humans
Mortality
Motor Activity
Muscle Strength
Musculoskeletal System
Pliability
Risk Factors
Sarcopenia
Sedentary Lifestyle

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 A commonly presented figure showing selected pathways by which changes upon aging lead to disease, All of the arrows in the original figure pointed one way, with increased fatigueability, muscle weakness, decreased endurance capacity, and muscle wasting leading to decreased physical activity, and eventually to disease. The arrows in the middle have been modified to point in both directions, indicating that physical activity itself (independent of aging) causes increased fatigueability, muscle weakness, decreased endurance capacity, and muscle wasting(1)

• 

  Figure 2 Kaplan-Meier survival estimates by exercise and performance- based physical function (PPF) levels(43)

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