Physical activity and aging: The impact of timing and daily movement

Recent research highlights the importance of early and consistent physical activity to prevent frailty and maintain cardiovascular health as people age. While it is never too late to start exercising, the timing of when one begins can significantly impact long-term physiological outcomes.

Studies indicate that while elderly individuals (around age 71) can improve their aerobic capacity through a year of training, certain structural changes, such as the stiffening of the left ventricle, may not fully reverse. In contrast, middle-aged adults (ages 45–64) who engage in regular aerobic and flexibility training have shown improvements in both aerobic capacity and the reversal of cardiac stiffening.

For those who do not have a regular exercise habit, engaging in non-exercise physical activities—often called “non-exercise activity thermogenesis”—can be highly effective. Daily tasks such as cleaning, gardening, shopping, and cooking can serve as significant contributors to health maintenance and frailty prevention, offering benefits comparable to formal exercise for some individuals.