Cardiorespiratory fitness – CRF – is the ability of the body's circulatory and respiratory systems to supply fuel and oxygen to skeletal muscles during sustained physical activity.  Researchers from the University of South Carolina (South Carolina, USA) reported that men and women ages 60+ with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness live longer than unfit adults; this correlation is independent of levels of body fat.   The team studied more than 2,600 adults ages 60 years and over, for a 12 year period, and found that those who died were older, had lower fitness levels, and had more cardiovascular risk factors than survivors. With no significant differences in body fat measures, across a wide variance of body fat levels (excluding the most obese) the fit study subjects were found to have lower death rates than unfit subjects.  Higher levels of CRF also corresponded to lower all-cause death.

As well, CRF may significantly reduce stroke risk for men and women.  A separate study completed by University of South Carolina (South Carolina, USA) researchers analyzed data collected on more than 60,000 people, ages 18 to 100 years, correlating each participant’s cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with the risk of stroke.  Men in the top 25% of CRF level had a 40% lower relative risk of stroke (compared to men in the lowest quartile).  Among women, those in the higher CRF level had a 43% lower relative risk (as compared to less fit counterparts). Perhaps most importantly, the team found the overall stroke risk dropped substantially at the moderate CRF level, with the protective effect persisting nearly unchanged through higher fitness levels.  According to the researchers, a moderate CRF level equated to 30 minutes or more of brisk walking, or an equivalent aerobic activity, five days a week.

No matter your age, schedule regular exercise in to your daily activities. Engage in aerobic exercise, 30 minutes or more, five days a week.  Consult an anti-aging physician to construct a regimen that is appropriate for your medical needs.