PRACTICE OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM IN MINIMIZING AGE RELATED RISK FACTORS

Engagement in physical activity often declines with increasing age. Benefits of regular exercise have been studied extensively and are myriad, including reduction in risk of heart attack and stroke, improvement of diabetic control, stress reduction, improvement of pulmonary function, reduction of osteoarthritic pain and stiffness, and reduction of depressive symptoms. Beyond the benefits associated with chronic disease processes, physical activity in and of itself helps to maintain pulmonary and cardiac function, as well as musculoskeletal mass and tone.There is a clear connection between maintenance of muscle strength, cardiovascular tone, and the ability to perform activities of daily living, to engage in leisure activities, and maintain quality of life. Intensity of physical activity and appropriate nutrition contribute to the maintenance of muscle mass. With normal aging, a reduction in muscle mass does occur. Participating in a regular exercise program can help reduce the risk of developing sarcopenia and its consequences.