aging
A process that accompanies chronological ageing. Ageing is often associated with degenerative processes, which include a reduction in muscle strength, bone weakening (see osteoporosis), longer reaction times, an increased difficulty in breathing, an increased tendency towards obesity, and a decrease in both anaerobic capacity and aerobic fitness (see percentage change in maximal aerobic power). However, since we tend to become more sedentary with age, it is often difficult to differentiate between the natural irreversible deterioration in physiological function that accompanies ageing and the harmful effects of physical inactivity. It is generally agreed that regular physical activity can retard the degenerative processes.
