This paper describes how the capacity of older men and women to adapt to regularly performed exercise has been demonstrated by many laboratories. Aerobic exercise results in improvements in functional capacity and reduced risk of developing Type II diabetes in elderly persons. High intensity resistance training has been demonstrated to cause large increases in strength in elderly persons. In addition, resistance training results in significant increases in muscle size in elderly men and women. Resistance training has also been shown to significantly increase energy requirements and insulin action for elderly persons. It has a positive effect on multiple risk factors for osteoporosis fractures in previously sedentary postmenopausal women. This includes increased levels of physical activity. Increasing leg muscle strength in elderly men and women increases mobility as measured by total levels of physical activity.
Abstract