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Importance of Physical Activity in Maintaining Optimal Function and Health in the Elderly
Physiological changes usually take place with aging in all organ systems. For instance, there is a decrease in cardiac output, an increase in blood pressure, and the development of arteriosclerosis. Similarly, there is a decrease in lung capacity and rates of expiratory flow. Due to the atrophy and loss of muscle cells, there is a general decline in the lean body mass with an increase in age (Boss and Seegmiller 434). Moreover, deteriorating changes occur in numerous joints, and this leads to loss of locomotion when conjoined with the muscle mass loss.
The alterations with time have significant practical repercussions for the elderly’s clinical management, and there is, therefore, the need for compelling precautionary programs of exercise and diet to reverse or delay some of the physiological changes. To adapt to these changes, regular participation in exercise or physical activity programs can help in the minimization of the physical and biological changes that happen during aging and may as well add to the incline well-being and health. Various studies have shown that exercise training increases the strength of the muscles, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, metabolism, and the psychological well-being of the elderly (Ciolac, n.pag).
It is very critical to have a background on the physiological changes of the elderly to have a program that is not only safe but also effective.

According to the ACSM, the elderly should have a medical clearance from their doctor before engaging in exercise testing and the participation of vigorous exercises. After this screening process, the individuals will go through a pre-exercise evaluation to provide a baseline measure of their body composition, flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance. The testing methods should be tailored to each. The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) recommends that the primary goal of exercises in the elderly should be to conserve functional capacity and reduce risk factors for heart diseases and slow or retard chronic disease progression (Lim n.pag). The exercise should thus be prescribed according to the needs of the individual.
The modes, intensity, frequency, and duration of the exercises should have less impact on their physical health. Moreover, their progression should be gradual and conservative. Similarly, the variations should be done in such a manner that the participants can easily transition and are ready to go to the next level. However, they should not be rushed to improve or change as this might put too much stress on them, making more harm than good. They should be regularly reviewed to ensure that the standards of the participant’s needs are met.
Works Cited
Boss, Gerry R., and J. Edwin Seegmiller. “Age-related physiological changes and their clinical significance.” Western Journal of Medicine 135.6 (1981): 434.
Ciolac, Emmanuel Gomes. “Exercise training as a preventive tool for age-related disorders: a brief review.” Clinics 68.5 (2013): 710-717.
Lim, Y., John. “Exercise Testing And Prescription For The Senior Population.” The Sport Journal. N. p., 2008. Web. 7 Dec. 2018.