Healthy aging with sport: a case-report of an 81 years-old Italian man

Age-related decreases in endurance performance are well known. However, several researches have been carried out on octogenarian athletes, who achieved high performance in some endurance sports. This case report aimed to discuss exercise capacity, body composition and the cardiovascular and common risk factors of an 81-year-oldman with a high level of physical activity. The man had a body mass index of 25.59 kg/m2 with a high percentage of skeletal muscle mass (79%). Maximal oxygen uptake was 39.5 mL/min/Kg and oxygen pulse was 18.7 mL/beat showing an excellent exercise capacity. Heart and pulmonary functions were optimal for his age. Bioelectrical phase angle was higher than the average values for his age and gender. Physical activity carried out continuously is confirmed a predictor of healthy state in elderly age, however it is mandatory that master athletes carry out periodic checks of their state of health and monitor vital parameters during intense training.