BIOLOGY OF AGING

Apply It! An understanding, even if superficial, of the underlying drivers of aging is beneficial to the health and fitness professional for himself or herself personally and to relate to his or her clients. The professional can discuss with his or her clients that, interestingly, careful and well-controlled studies are being conducted in many countries showing the positive benefits of physical activity and exercise in minimizing the deleterious effects of aging. It is helpful for clients to realize that although many of the gains are visible and apparent, important favorable changes also occur within cells that cannot be seen or felt. Well-structured exercise programs can overcome muscle atrophy and prevent the onset of frailty, and physical activity and exercise are the best interventions to increase healthspan(definition) and delay the onset of many chronic diseases.