Master's swimming: an example of successful aging in competitive sport.

Master's swimming has been one of the most successful master's athletic organizations over the past few decades. It creates an excellent environment for older athletes to stay fit and develop friendships. Exercise has been shown to be important in keeping an aging population healthy by reducing risk factors associated with chronic diseases. Physiology is an important part of athletic performance in an older population as our cardiovascular system and musculature change over time. Although swimming is an excellent form of exercise, some medical conditions such as exercised-induced asthma can be caused or worsened by swimming. Swimming is a great way to build muscular strength and endurance, but it can result in shoulder, cervical, and lumbar spine injuries because of its repetitive nature.