Habitual exercise for the elderly.

Available research indicates that participation in a regular exercise program is an effective intervention to reduce and prevent a number of functional and health-associated impairments known to occur with advancing age. Functional benefits of regular exercise include increases in cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and functional capacity, allowing older individuals to maintain their independence and freely participate in daily activities. In addition, habitual exercise, endurance training, or both can prevent or markedly attenuate the age-related increases in risk factors for coronary heart disease. Taken together, these benefits associated with regular exercise can significantly improve the quality of life in older populations.