Physiological Consequences – aged persons face the following consequences as they age:

Several studies have reported that the aged persons face the following consequences as they age:

1. Pumping efficiency of the heart reduces at the age of 55 years about 20%.

2. Kidey function is reduced about 25%.

3. Maximum breathing capacity declines about 10% at the age of 55 and 60% at the age of 75 years.

4. Basal metabolic rate goes down about 10%.

5. Sleep, glucose regulation get disturbed.

6. The immune system changes. The rate of antibody production drops down.

7. Respiratory system becomes less effective.

8. Stroke volume, cardiac output, vital capacity – all reduces.

Maximum oxygen uptake capacity (vo₂ max) which is the best indicator of physical work capacity and cardiovascular system declines with aging. Studies show that there is a correlation between muscle mass and vo₂ max.

Decline in muscle mass and changes in body composition with aging reduce the metabolic function. Respiratory system becomes less efficient due to reduced total lung capacity. Common findings in elderly people include reduced heart rate and stroke volume, reduced blood lactate level, reduced systolic blood pressure.

Different studies report that participation in physical activities help the aged individuals to counter almost all the deficiencies stated above to a considerable extent. Not only exercise can counteract decline in vo₂ max associated with aging, but improvements can surpass those beneficial effects found in younger athletes.

A study has reported that physiological adaptations to aerobic training in older individuals are similar to those changes seen in middle aged healthy men.

Several studies have reported that some health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, injuries and fractures due to falls, arthritis osteoporosis, cancer etc. which are somewhat common to elderly people may be combated by a well planned exercise training programme.