Regular vigorous exercise can slow the rate of decline in VO2max by as much as 50%, although the absolute age-associated decline is greater in men than women.
Does aerobic exercise training improve VO2max differently in older men and women?
Aerobic exercise improves fitness in both older men and women, but the physiological adaptations differ by gender.
Both cross-sectional and longitudinal data suggest that the age-associated decline in VO 2max is greater in men when expressed in absolute terms such as L or mL· min —1 . When expressed in relative terms (ie, percentage decline per decade), the apparent gender difference disappears. Cross-sectional studies report a slower rate of decline than longitudinal studies, probably due to selection bias. The impact of physical activity on the rate of decline in aerobic power with age is not entirely clear. Meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies did not find increased levels of physical activity to be associated with lower rates of decline in VO 2max . Longitudinal studies suggest that regular vigorous exercise can slow the rate of decline in VO 2max by as much as 50%, but the reduction or cessation of training with advancing age may result in a misleading acceleration in that decline. The most consistent finding in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies is a strong association between the age-associated declines in maximal heart rate and VO 2max , but physical activity has little, if any, impact on maximal heart rate. Aerobic exercise training of sufficient intensity can increase aerobic power in both men and women, but the mechanisms may be different, with men demonstrating a greater improvement in factors related to stroke volume and cardiac output, whereas the adaptations in women appear to be more dependent on increased oxygen extraction by skeletal muscle.
Robert F. Zoeller (2008) conducted a review in Age-associated decline in cardiorespiratory fitness. Aerobic exercise training / Physical activity was evaluated on Age-associated decline in VO2max. Regular vigorous exercise can slow the rate of decline in VO2max by as much as 50%, although the absolute age-associated decline is greater in men than women.