Never too late
For nearly 50 years, researchers have followed women and men—from the ages of 16 to 63. The long-term study is called the Swedish Physical Activity and Fitness Study (SPAF) and is unique in its kind. The main aim of the study was to describe physical fitness, physical activity, health, and lifestyle across part of the lifespan, and to assess the influences on these factors from the environment, personal factors, and genetics. The participants were randomly selected from across Sweden.
This study provides important insights into how physical ability changes with age. It shows that physical capacity begins to decline around the age of 35, regardless of the amount of training, but that we can largely influence the rate of decline. By the age of 60, we may have lost up to half of our strength and endurance.
However, the decline can be significantly slowed, and it is never too late to start. The researches found that the decline is equally significant for both men and women, which is new information. Previous studies have reached varying conclusions, likely because they have not had the opportunity to follow the same individuals throughout their entire lives.
The results highlight the importance of establishing good exercise habits early. By remaining physically active, regardless of age, we can slow the decline in our abilities and, in turn, enhance our quality of life.
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How can you maintain a lifelong commitment to physical activity?
How can we, as a society, across all domains, support, promote and facilitate a lifelong commitment to physical activity?
//Magnus Ringberg
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