Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging by Albert Taylor, Michael J. Johnson, Michel Johnson

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Synopsis

As life expectancy continues to increase, so does the need to understand the factors that increase health and vitality. Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging applies the science of exercise physiology to an analysis of the aging process and identifies the positive effects that regular exercise and physical activity have not only on longevity but also on delaying specific diseases, decreasing morbidity, and increasing quality of life. It presents theories on aging, the aging process, the structural and functional changes that characterize advancing age, exercise programming concerns for the aged, drug use and abuse by seniors, and the benefits of exercise and physical activity.

This text offers a more expansive discussion of the particulars of exercise physiology of aging persons than is found in other texts on the subject. With Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging, readers will gain a thorough understanding of the role of physical activity on the aging process, the principles of exercise and assessment considerations for elderly adults, and training for special needs of older adults. Information is presented in the context of three groups found in the aging and health spectrum: average aging individuals, frail elderly, and master athletes. This information is organized within a three-part structure:

• Part I explores age-related changes in the major physiological systems. The effects of physical activity on these systems, as well as necessary adaptations for those with impaired abilities in each system, are also discussed.
• Part II deals with the interactive roles of nutrition; age-related diseases, such as diabetes and osteoporosis;and physical activity.
• Part III presents the physiologic adaptability that may be expected with training and physical activity of older adults. It also addresses the practical issues that must be considered when working with this population, including training for aerobic, anerobic, and muscular fitness; exercise adherence and safety measures; and potential substance abuse of commonly used medications.

In addition to the presentation of foundational concepts of physiology as they relate to the process of aging, chapters of Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging contain exercise regimens related to the chapter topic, other forms of physical activity that have proven beneficial to the aging population, and contraindicated exercises. Physiological responses to acute and chronic exercise are examined, including studies of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle metabolism and strength, neurophysiology and the senses, and the effects of exercise on older adults with the diseases of aging, including type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. Chapter-opening quotes provide the insights of selected thinkers, scientists, and fitness professionals on the topic discussed.

Practitioners who work with older adults will find programming recommendations in each chapter to help translate the science into practice. An appendix offers easy access to forms and assessments, including a Three-Day Nutritional Assessment form and a Client History form. The language used throughout the text embraces the science of exercise physiology but also welcomes practitioners to apply the information presented.

For student readers, Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging incorporates these helpful features to assist learning and retention:

• Chapter-opening outlines offer quick reference to topics.
• Chapter-ending Questions to Consider provide tools for self-study and reflection.
• Numerous tables and figures reinforce chapter concepts and add visual or statistical information related to the process of aging, fall prevention, international demographics, and theories of aging.
• References provide additional opportunities for reading and research with selected books, articles, and Web sites.
• Appendixes contain information on specific Web sites and numerous tests and forms that may be photocopied for use with clients or patients or for course projects.

Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging contains a thorough discussion of the unique effects of aging on the human body and illustrates the power of exercise as a preventive tool to reduce or offset the deleterious effects of aging in order to increase the quality of life enjoyed by our aging population. With this text, both students and professionals will grasp the advantages of appropriate physical activity for the elderly and how to safely administer exercise programs that contribute to the increased health and quality of life for older adults.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Anthony M. Randles, MPH (North Dakota State Univ College of Human Development & Education)
Description:This book presents exercise prescriptions to delay chronic conditions prevalent in later life. It explores aging processes and the effects of proper exercise, and emphasizes principles of exercise and training programs for elders of differing abilities and health.
Purpose:The authors discuss physiology of older adults and physical activities proven beneficial for older adults. They examine how exercise can cause small beneficial changes, especially for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, neurophysiology and senses, and age-specific diseases.
Audience:This book would be useful for students or professionals focused on fitness of older adults, and would make a great text or auxiliary reading for any advanced exercise physiology course.
Features:Part I covers age-related changes and effects of exercise on the cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, nervous, and sensory systems. The importance of senses in the aging process makes the discussion of this topic noteworthy. The nutrition and aging discussion in part II is useful for dietitians developing nutritional plans for active older adults. This section highlights the importance of nutrition modification and exercise, and the benefits for delaying specific disease. Part III includes a discussion of the physiological adaptation and activities for master athletes and frail older adults noting that, though both are in the same age category, proper training techniques differ greatly. Chapter 11 discusses use and abuse of drugs and supplements for older adults, atopic given little consideration in most exercise physiology books. This chapter focuses on how seniors differ from younger populations, and notes differences in drug use between master and young athletes. The appendixes provide tools for readers to help determine the readiness of an older adult for exercise and web links for education resources.
Assessment:A wonderful aspect of this book is the way the authors discuss scientific concepts of basic physiology in the context of aging. The book is well written gives readers a proper resource for improving the fitness of older adults.

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Biography

Albert W. Taylor, PhD, DSc, is a professor in the faculties of health sciences and medicine and dentistry at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada, where he teaches courses on healthy aging and the physiology of aging. He also researches the effects of exercise on the aging process-in particular, cancer precursors and metabolic enzyme activities. Professor Taylor has honorary appointments at the University of Toronto, Universite de Moncton, the Ukrainian State University of Physical Education and Sport and Semmelweis University of Budapest Medical University.

Michel J. Johnson, PhD, obtained his PhD from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada, in the area of neurovascular physiology. His current research interests include strength training, skeletal muscle metabolism, and autonomic nervous system regulation in young and older subjects. He is currently an assistant professor of kinesiology and a research member with the Interdisciplinary Research Program on Safe Driving at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.