Despite mounting evidence implicating sedentary
behavior as a significant risk factor among the elderly, there
is a limited amount of information on the type and amount
of activity needed to promote optimal health and function
in older people. Overall muscle strength and mass decline
30–50% between the ages of 30 and 80. The loss of muscle
mass accounts for most of the observed loss of strength.
The loss of muscle tissue is due to a decrease in the number
of muscle fibers and to atrophy of the type II muscle fibers.
The declining strength reduces the capacity to carry out
basic activities of daily life and puts people at risk for falls
and dependence on others. The objective of the present
review is to examine the role of exercise training as a
primary tool for increasing cardiopulmonary and muscular
fitness in order to lessen the severity of disability in
activities of daily living and to attain optimal health and
functioning among the elderly.