ABSTRACT
The focus of this chapter-physical activity and healthy aging-is part of a large topic in gerontology dealing with determinants of healthy aging. People often assume (incorrectly) that genes are the key determinant of healthy aging. We hear people say they expect to live a long healthy life because their parents did. In fact, public health science shows lifestyle choices are stronger determinants of healthy aging. For example, one study estimated that 82% of cardiovascular disease in women could be prevented or delayed by adopting a healthy lifestyle (no use of tobacco, a healthy diet and body weight, regular physical activity, alcohol in moderation) (Stampfer et al. 2000). People with healthy lifestyles may live 10 or more years longer than those without such behaviors (Fraser and Shavlik 2001).
