358 Walter R. Bortz Lecture - Functional Aging at the Crossroads of Science and Practice: Past Perspectives and Future Forecasts

Over the past several decades an explosion in research has revealed new insights into optimal exercise strategies for functional longevity.  While these studies have confirmed that virtually any type of exercise is beneficial as people age, it has also revealed that, due to the significant heterogeneity of the older population, not all exercise strategies are equally beneficial for all individuals.  Simultaneously, the 65+ population has increased rapidly and has changed significantly due to the Boomer population, who continue to redefine what being “old” means.  They have become one of the most dominant forces in the fitness industry as they seek out exercise as a means to live a high quality of life for as long as possible.  The sustained growth of this market for the next 70+ years will continue to drive numerous profound changes that will re-shape the health, fitness and rehabilitative landscapes.  There is probably no more important time than now to bridge the gap between science and practice so that health, fitness and wellness professionals have evidence-based tools at their disposal to use with the ever-increasing number of older clients who want to remain functional as long as possible.  In this insightful and provocative session, we will take a look back at the evolution of the research and practice of older adult fitness and project ahead to understand how we can prepare for what is coming in the near future.