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Dr. Miguel Gambetta: Espanol:Effects of Physical Activity on Cardiovascular and Noncardiovascular Outcomes in Older Adults :FlatUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).Open MenuOpen Menu

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Started: 1/5/2010 10:06 PM
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Effects of Physical Activity on Cardiovascular and Noncardiovascular Outcomes in Older Adults

Effects of Physical Activity on Cardiovascular and Noncardiovascular Outcomes in Older Adults

Jacob R. Sattelmair, MSca, Jeremy H. Pertman, MSa, Daniel E. Forman, MDbcCorresponding Author Informationemail address

Aging is associated with a cascade of morphologic and physiologic changes that naturally predispose older adults to progressive weakening, functional decline, morbidity, disability, poor quality of life, and increased mortality. Physical activity moderates such insidious aging patterns and is a vital preventive and therapeutic strategy to optimize health throughout the aging process. Regular exercise provides many physiologic benefits, reduces risk of disease outcomes, and triggers important psychological gains. Advanced age presents distinctive obstacles to maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Individualized exercise strategies and regimens make it possible, however, for every elderly adult to benefit from physical activity.

a Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Kresge Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA

b Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA

c Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Boston Healthcare System-JP Campus, 150 South Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA 02130, USA