Achieving Longevity through Movement: How Does Aging Affect Physiological Function and What Can Movement Do?

Why Do Our Bodies Functionally Decline With Age and How Can We Intervene?

Discover the effects of aging on physiological function, from cardiovascular changes to muscle loss. Learn why systems decline and how lifestyle choices like movement can influence the rate of this process for improved longevity.

Question

Which of the following BEST describes what happens to the way our physiological systems function as we age?

A. Our physiological systems remain unchanged functionally as we age.
B. Our physiological systems functionally decline as we age.
C. The functionality of our physiological systems change based only on our genetics.
D. Our physiological systems functionally improve as we age.

Answer

B. Our physiological systems functionally decline as we age.

Explanation

This process, known as senescence, is a natural and complex biological reality characterized by a gradual deterioration of function across most of the body’s systems.

System-Specific Functional Declines

This decline is not uniform but affects various systems at different rates.

• Cardiovascular System: The heart’s maximum pumping rate and the blood vessels’ elasticity decrease. This leads to reduced maximal heart rate and a lower capacity for oxygen uptake (VO₂max), affecting endurance.
• Musculoskeletal System: There is a progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and power, a condition called sarcopenia. Bone mineral density also tends to decrease, increasing fracture risk.
• Nervous System: Nerve signal transmission slows, and processing speed can diminish. This affects reaction time, balance, coordination, and proprioception.
• Endocrine System: The production and sensitivity to various hormones change. For instance, reduced levels of anabolic hormones like testosterone and growth hormone contribute to sarcopenia.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

A. Our physiological systems remain unchanged functionally as we age. This is incorrect. A vast body of scientific evidence documents the structural and functional changes that occur with aging in all physiological systems.

C. The functionality of our physiological systems change based only on our genetics. This is false. While genetics establishes a blueprint, the rate and extent of functional decline are heavily influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. Physical activity, nutrition, and avoiding toxins can significantly slow the decline, which is a core principle of achieving longevity through movement.

D. Our physiological systems functionally improve as we age. This is incorrect. Without intervention, the baseline function of physiological systems declines. Improvements in function for older adults are the result of targeted interventions like exercise, which work to counteract the natural aging process, rather than being a feature of aging itself.

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