Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Adiposity as Mortality Predictors in Older Adults

Abstract

Population aging, obesity, and physical inactivity are notable public health challenges. By 2030, 22% of the US population, or 70 million individuals, will be older than 65 years.¹ Approximately 32% of Americans are obese,² and the vast majority of US adults do not engage in regular physical activity.³ A high proportion of adults have levels of functional capacity that are low enough to increase mortality risk.⁴ Levels of physical activity and functional aerobic capacity each decline steadily with age,^5,6 while the prevalence of obesity tends to increase with age. Total medical expenditures associated with inactivity and obesity are greatest in the older population, a fact that underscores the significant economic burden to society posed by an aging population of inactive obese individuals.⁷