Aging and Exercise: A Health Perspective

Habitual exercise provides protection against fatal coronary heart disease, extends longevity, and enhances quality of life. National surveys show less physical activity in older men and women compared with middle-aged and younger persons; older women are particularly sedentary. Although there are still few longitudinal studies on exercise and physical activity in older individuals, the data support a positive relationship between physical activity and health function in older individuals. The data further show that with regular physical activity, health and fitness are maintained or even increased over time in older individuals. Studies on physical activity requirements for beneficial health effects in the elderly are reviewed and presented, and exercise recommendations for older individuals are given

Um pouco de história, desenvolvimentos recentes e perspectivas para a pesquisa em atividade física e saúde no Brasil A short history, recent developments, and perspectives for research in physical activity and health in Brazil

As grandes transformações mundiais das últimas décadas provocaram mudanças sociais e na saúde, individual e coletiva, jamais imaginadas. O perfil dos problemas de saúde atuais faz com que a promoção de estilos de vida saudáveis (e ativos fisicamente) seja valorizada e colocada como uma das prioridades em saúde pública no planeta. A Educação Física Brasileira está atenta a essas evoluções nas ciências e nas práticas que envolvem a atividade física relacionada à saúde, e precisa responder aos anseios da sociedade em termos de formação profissional competente e produção científica de qualidade nesta área. Este artigo discute desenvolvimentos recentes e perspectivas na pesquisa em atividade física e saúde, com repercussões para a Educação Física no Brasil.<br>The tremendous modifications observed in the world during the past few decades caused unthinkable changes in social and health (both individual and collective). Current health problems turned lifestyle characteristics as public health matter all over the world, specially the promotion of healthy (and active lifestyles). The area of Physical Education in Brazil is aware of that global movement related to the promotion of health enhancing physical activity, and needs to respond to the society's needs in terms of professional preparation, and quality research in this area. This paper discusses recent developments and perspectives for physical activity and health research, and it's consequences for Physical Education in Brazil