JCSM: the physical fitness of most people peaks at the age of 26-36.
The physical fitness of most people reaches its peak between the ages of 26 and 36, after which a gradual and then accelerating decline begins. This conclusion was reached by Swedish scientists who analyzed data from nearly half a century of observation of ordinary people. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle (JCSM).
The authors studied data from 427 residents of Sweden, who were observed from the ages of 16 to 63. It was found that maximum aerobic endurance and muscular endurance for both men and women occur in the third decade of life. After that, the indicators decline slowly at first—by about 0.3-0.6 percent per year—and after the age of 50, the rate of decline accelerates to 2-2.5 percent annually. By the age of 63, the level of physical performance is found to be 30-48 percent lower than peak values.
Muscle power related to explosive strength peaks even earlier: on average at 27 years for men and 19 years for women. The rates of further decline were found to be similar for both sexes. The researchers also noted that with age, the gap between individuals in terms of physical fitness sharply increases: some maintain relatively high levels, while others decline particularly quickly.
Despite the inevitability of age-related changes, lifestyle plays an important role. People who were physically active in their youth or began to exercise regularly in adulthood demonstrated higher performance levels at all stages of observation. According to the authors, this confirms that the decline in physical capabilities begins long before old age, but regular activity can significantly slow this process and reduce the risk of serious impairments in the future.
