高齢社会における運動・身体活動の意義 : 運動・スポーツ医学的側面からの考察

概要

論文の詳細を見る
The population aged 65 years and older living in Japan now comprises approximately 21% of the total population and is expected to approach 30% by the year 2030. Accompanying these trends in ageing is the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related disease, including type 2 diabetes and physical frailty. It is widely accepted that insulin resistance plays a central role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Regular physical exercise has beneficial effects such as improving glucose homeostasis and blood lipid profiles , lowering blood pressure, and preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes. The mechanism for these beneficial effects is thought to be attributable to the improved insulin sensitivity and overall glucose homeostasis. There is also substantial evidence demonstrating benefits of physical activity in attenuating aging-related functional decline, even among older people with established chronic disease and frailty. In this article, current knowledge regarding physical exercise's central role in the pathogenesis and primary prevention of lifestyle-related disease will be discussed.