Healthy aging: health promotion and disease prevention

Maintaining functional ability or the capacity to complete functional tasks is a key component of successful aging. A model of functional ability in later life indicates that musculoskeletal and cardiovascular functioning and the presence of symptoms of chronic disease influence this key component of successful aging. Increased physical activity and appropriate nutritional intake are two lifestyle choices that have been demonstrated to improve musculoskeletal and cardiovascular functioning and reduce symptoms of chronic disease. Empirical evidence also exists, indicating that these two lifestyle choices can result in improved functional ability among older adults. Finally, physical activity and nutritional intake recommendations that have been demonstrated to increase functional ability among older adults are presented.