The Role of Physical Activity in Healthy Aging: Mechanisms and Interventions

As the global population ages, understanding the mechanisms behind healthy aging and finding effective interventions to promote longevity have become critical research areas. Physical activity is key to maintaining health and quality of life in older adults. Regular exercise mitigates the effects of aging by improving cardiovascular health, enhancing muscle strength, maintaining bone density, and promoting metabolic health. Research has shown that physical activity influences various biological mechanisms associated with aging, including regulating cellular senescence, reducing oxidative stress, and modulation of inflammation. These mechanisms are crucial in delaying age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. In addition to physical health benefits, exercise positively affects mental health, cognitive function, and overall well-being, contributing to a holistic approach to aging. Interventions incorporating physical activity are being explored for their potential to extend not only lifespan but also healthspan—the period of life spent in good health.

This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which physical activity influences aging processes and to identify effective interventions that can be implemented to improve health outcomes for older adults. By exploring these areas, we can contribute to the development of strategies that support healthy aging and address the challenges associated with an aging population.

We seek original research, reviews, clinical trials, mechanistic studies, case studies, and perspectives that provide insights into how physical activity promotes healthy aging and improves the quality of life for older adults. We invite contributions addressing the following themes:

1. Mechanisms of Aging and Exercise:
o Cellular and molecular pathways influenced by physical activity.
o Exercise’s impact on cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

2. Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Health:
o Exercise's role in maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing diseases.
o Enhancing muscle strength, bone density, and preventing sarcopenia and osteoporosis through physical activity.

3. Metabolic and Neurodegenerative Health:
o Exercise’s influence on metabolic health and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
o Impact on cognitive function and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Healthy Aging; Physical Activity; Exercise Interventions; Aging Mechanisms; Longevity Fitness

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.