Physical Fitness and Age, with Emphasis on Cardiovascular Function in the Elderly†

ABSTRACT Progressive decline in the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system with age is a widely accepted concept. A survey of the literature of cross‐sectional studies of men aged 20 to 60 clearly indicates a decline in aerobic capacity ( O 2 max) of about 0.45 ml · kg −1 · min −1 · yr −1 regardless of activity level. Data from longitudinal studies of sedentary men suggest that the rate of decline in O 2 max is more rapid than indicated from the cross‐sectional studies which include subjects who are physically active. For sedentary women the decline in O 2 max with age seems to be less than that reported for men (0.30 ml · kg −1 · min −1 · yr −1 ). Excessive fatness in young men does not appear to compromise their cardiovascular function but it does limit their ability to transport their body weight over distance and reduces their heat tolerance. O 2 max per kg of total weight is, however, only 10 percent less than that for normal‐weight men at age 60. Of the obese subjects studied (N = 4) over the age of 40, O 2 max per kg fat‐free body weight was the same as for normal‐weight men (N = 17). The effect of exercise on improvement of aerobic capacity in the elderly and the optimum frequency, intensity and duration of exercise programs at specific ages requires additional investigation. The effect of regular exercise on reducing the frequency of premature ventricular contractions and on improving heat tolerance also requires clarification.