The geriatric athlete.

More individuals over the age of 55 are becoming involved in athletics and physical fitness. These individuals benefit from this increased activity in a number of ways: improved cardiovascular function, improved muscle strength and functional ability, and less medical care. By following a gradual, low-intensity exercise program, an elderly individual can reap all of the benefits of improved physical fitness with little chance of injury. As physicians who care for elderly individuals, we need to be cognizant of the benefits and risk involved with geriatric athletes.