Exercise, Physical Fitness, and Health Among Older Adults in China: A Nationwide Prospective Study

The China Healthy Aging and Fitness Longitudinal Study (CHALF) is a nationwide prospective observational study designed to investigate how physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness are associated with health and aging among older adults in China. The study plans to recruit approximately 8,960 adults aged 60-79 years from 14 provinces and provincial-level regions across China. Participants will complete questionnaires about their physical activity, exercise habits, lifestyle, nutrition, and health. They will also undergo standardized physical fitness assessments and blood tests. Participants will be followed over time to track changes in physical fitness and health. Follow-up assessments will examine how physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness are associated with physical function, chronic diseases, and other health outcomes. The findings will help improve understanding of healthy aging and provide evidence to support physical fitness monitoring and exercise guidance for older adults in China.