Monocytes in Aging and Exercise

Abstract

The percentage of Americans over the age of 65 is expected to increase to nearly 20% by 2030 [1]. This change will have significant effects on the economy, healthcare, and society in general. Aging is the highest risk factor for the majority of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer [2]. While lifespan continues to rise, healthspan (the length of time someone is healthy) has increased more slowly and Americans are living longer with impaired health and disabilities [3]. Interventions are needed to improve the health and quality of life of the aging population, and studies show that the compression of morbidity is possible with lifestyle changes, pharmaceuticals, and continuous medical advances [2].