The Fountain of Youth for Bone and Joint Health: Lifetime of Fitness

A lifetime of fitness may just be the fountain of youth. Scientists have found that being physically active over a lifetime may significantly improve musculoskeletal and overall health and even minimize or delay the effects of aging.

Scientists have long assumed that aging causes an inevitable deterioration of the body and its ability to function. In addition, it causes an increased rate of related injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures. Yet recent research may prove otherwise.

"An increasing amount of evidence demonstrates that we can modulated age-related decline in the musculoskeletal system," said Bryan B. Vopat, lead study author, in a news release. "A lot of the deterioration we see with aging can be attributed to a more sedentary lifestyle instead of aging itself."

Yet researchers found that it's not just physical training in general that has a positive effect; it's also what type of physical activity that occurs. Scientists found that a combined physical activity regime is optimal, which encompasses resistance, endurance, flexibility and balance training. Combined, these different exercise types-along with proper nutrition-can make the difference when it comes to maintaining healthy years.

"Regimens must be individualized for older adults according to their baseline level of conditioning and disability, and be instituted gradually and safely, particularly for elderly and poorly conditioned adults," said Vopat.

The latest findings, though, indicate that improved fitness levels can contribute to less bone and joint health decline. Needless to say, this is a large incentive for older individuals in order to extend their healthy years.

The findings are published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.