Exercise for the elderly.

"We do not stop playing because we grow old;

We grow old because we stop playing."

-Anon

Old age is not an excuse for not exercising. Though, physiologically the aerobic capacity (VO2 max) for exercise decreases by 10% per decade, this effect can be minimised by regular exercise. But often, we find that as we get older, we tend to minimise our activites drastically, leading to complete deterioration of physical health and therby losing independence and a good quality of life in old age.

Inactivity leads to decreased bone mineral density and thereby predisposing the elderly to have fragility fractures. There is enough medical evidence to show that daily regular excercise increases bone strength and thereby decreasing the risk of fractures, as we get old.

Regular exercise also helps them to have a healthy cardio (Heart) vascular system. It decreases the risks of heart attacks, hypertension and Obesity. Infact, by regular exercise the elderly can have a cardiovascular system that is healthier than non-exercising individuals of the same age (McArdle et al, 1996) and younger individuals too.

Regular exercise improves the body immunity (Akimoto et al, 2003) and thereby keeps the elderly healthy, by warding off infections. It also improves muscle tone and balance, therby reducing the risk of falls and their related problems.

Osteoarthritis is another problem of old age. There is often associated stiffness and loss of muscle strength. Regular exercise, maintains a good range of movement at the joint and provides muscle strength to support the de-compensated joint to a certain extent. Repeated high impact exercises should be avoided in this situation, but exercises like walking and swimming can be undertaken.