ABSTRACT
Epidemiologic studies in humans and experimental data reported in several animal species indicate that good nutrition and regular physical exercise not only contribute significantly to health and well-being but also may prolong average and maximum life span (1,2). With scientific validation, these two interventions are now accepted as “natural” ways to deal with a number of disabilities and diseases related to old age. Accordingly, a brief discussion of the impact of nutrition (Chapter 23) and of physical exercise (Chapter 24) on functional competence and on longevity will serve as an appropriate conclusion to the study of the physiologic changes that occur with advancing age.
