Physiological changes in relation to agin and exercise
...y both begin to decline with age. However they do not all decline at the same rate, and the rates of deterioration will vary according to lifestyle. The different areas that are involved with this physiological decline are: *Bones *Muscular Strength *Neural Function *Pulmonary Function *Cardiovascular Function Bones (osteoporosis) A loss of bone mineral content is a part of life and happens to everyone after a certain point in life. Apart from taking in calcium to try and minimize bone loss, there is no support for a role of diet in preventing this natural process. There is excellent evidence on the benefits of regular exercise to maintain muscle and bone structure. Muscular strength Muscle strength levels for men and women are at their greatest between the ages of 20 and 30. Without regular exercise, there is a decrease in muscle mass that is noticeable around the age of 60. One study of men between the ages of 60 and 72 years showed an improvement rate equal to young adults when using basic resistance exercises. Another group of 70 year olds who had regularly trained from age 50, had a muscle cross sectional area equivalent to a group of 28 year old students. Neural function Reflexes do slow with age, but as with muscle strength, activity slows the effects. Active men in their 70s had reaction times equivalent to inactive men in their 20s. Pulmonary function There is a decrease in lung function with age that can be slowed considerably with regular exercise. Studies indicate that a lifetime of regular exercise will slow the decline in lung capacity which is associated with aging. As you can see from these 4 physiological areas, they all decrease effectiveness with age but the process is definitely slowed down with regular exercise or training. HOW TRAININABLE ARE OLDER PEOPLE ? While older people or older athletes aged 40+ are very trainable, it does take more effort for them to reach a sufficient level of fitness than it does for younger athletes who are in their prime years. Older athletes have to take a lot more into consideration before starting to train, which will in turn effect the way and the intensity levels of their training. They have to consider: How fit they think they are ( preferably they will have a fitness test to show this Have they taken part in much training or exercise ...