Place of physical exercise in optimization of aging

Abstract

Getting old in good condition is variously experienced by everybody and is stated in variable proportions on three main notions: life span, quality of life
and acceptable cost for the society.
Regular physical exercise is very important at any
age and in particular in the second part of life,
reducing cardiovascular mortality for men and risk
of loss of self moving for women. Impact of physical activity is particularly clear on quality of life
improvement, reducing depressive states and sleep
disorders. It contributes also to decrease the symptoms of osteoarthrite but remains questionable
concerning the improvement in cognitive function.
Inserted in a complex program including repeated
incentives and education for therapy, it reduces
significantly the risk to enter a nursing home and
the number of hospitalizations. An overall effort is
necessary in order to promote physical exercise :
better training of health professionals, media coverage, and better access for frail elderly