State of Physical Fitness is a Reliable Predictor of Age-Related Mortality
Maintaining physical fitness as we age is crucial for longevity. Studies have shown that being more physically fit at a certain age can predict lower mortality rates later in life. Animal studies support the idea that exercise can slow down aging and reduce age-related mortality risks. The evidence suggests that keeping physically fit into older age is beneficial.
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a key indicator of overall health and plays a role in reducing chronic disease risks. However, CRF is often overlooked in clinical assessments. Including CRF as a vital sign in patient evaluations could improve the identification of those at high risk for adverse outcomes. Research has linked CRF to various health conditions and suggests that higher CRF can improve outcomes for chronic conditions like cancer and heart failure.
A recent overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on CRF and health outcomes among adults revealed significant findings. High CRF levels were associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Each increase in CRF level was linked to a reduction in mortality risk. The evidence supporting the importance of CRF in health outcomes is strong, indicating the need for its inclusion in routine clinical assessments.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107849
