How does age generally affect exercise performance?

Aging is generally associated with physiological changes that include a decline in muscle mass, strength, and cardiovascular capacity. As individuals grow older, they often experience a phenomenon known as sarcopenia, which is the gradual loss of muscle tissue and function. This decline can negatively impact an individual's strength and overall exercise performance. Additionally, cardiovascular function tends to diminish with age due to factors such as reduced heart rate response, lower maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max), and increased arterial stiffness, all of which can affect endurance and aerobic capacity.

Overall, these changes result in a decrease in the ability to perform physical activities at the same level as in younger years. This comprehensive understanding highlights the relationship between aging and exercise performance, making the selection of this answer well-founded in exercise physiology literature.