Exercise and Inflammation in the Elderly

Persistent low-grade inflammation and impaired fibrinolysis, are independent predictors of several chronic diseases highly prevalent in the older Veteran population including cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, and diabetes. Inflammation is likely to be a causative underlying mechanism of insulin resistance. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and physical activity are advocated for the treatment of these chronic diseases and endpoints, and data are emerging which suggest that these treatments may be beneficial, in part, due to their anti-inflammatory effects. Identification of effective therapies that reduce chronic inflammation for Veterans is important given the widespread adverse health effects of a chronically elevated inflammatory state.