A 47-year study reveals when strength and fitness start to fade
Get the Health newsletter
Daily health & science — research, biotech, public health, the studies worth knowing. Free.
- Karolinska Institutet conducted a 47‑year longitudinal study (SPAF) tracking several hundred men and women from age 16 to 63.
- Physical capacity (fitness, strength, and endurance) begins to decline around age 35 and accelerates with advancing age.
- Late‑life activity boosted participants' performance by 5‑10% even after age‑related decline.
- Maria Westerståhl noted that exercise can slow but not stop performance loss; the team will re‑test participants at age 68 next year.
- Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle published the study findings, highlighting the importance of lifelong exercise.
Why it matters: Adults who adopt exercise after age 35 can boost performance by up to 10%, potentially lowering age‑related health expenses and easing strain on healthcare systems.
