https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2024.12702
Position paper on essential strategies for healthy aging: focus on preventing sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases from the 38th National Congress of the Italian Society of Geriatrics Hospital and Territory (SIGOT)
Submitted: 1 June 2024
Accepted: 15 July 2024
Published: 22 July 2024
Accepted: 15 July 2024
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Italy’s demographic setting is rapidly evolving and is characterized by a substantial increase in the older population segment. This trend, driven by prolonged life expectancy and declining birth rates, positions Italy as a leader in global aging patterns. The 38th National Congress of the Società Italiana di Geriatria Ospedale e Territorio (SIGOT), held in Rome, underlined the importance of addressing the health needs of this aging population, particularly focusing on preventing sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases. Recent data challenge the notion of functional decline as an inevitable consequence of aging, highlighting the interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors in modulating health outcomes. Sarcopenia, a prevalent condition and biological substrate of frailty, significantly impacts physical function and mortality rates, necessitating behavioral interventions to mitigate its effects. Physical exercise emerges as a key strategy for maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of arrhythmias, prevalent in older age groups. However, the complex relationship between physical activity intensity, age, and cardiovascular risk underlines the importance of tailored interventions and preliminary screenings. Looking ahead, proactive measures such as enhanced screening, promoting lifelong healthy habits, research and innovation, robust community support systems, and adaptable policies are essential to address the multifaceted challenges posed by an aging population. With this consensus paper, we aimed to summarize the key messages from the three intensive days of the SIGOT National Congress.
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How to Cite
Boccardi, V., Vetta, F., Cipriani, L., Fabbo, A., Cella, A., Ceci, M., Azzini, M., Bauco, C., Benati, G., Castagna, A., Lunardelli, M. L., Mecocci, P., Passamonte, M., Romano, M., Tardi, S., Mazza, L., Ottomanelli, G., Secreto, P., Solfrizzi, V., Vargas, N., Fimognari, F. L., & Palleschi, L. (2024). Position paper on essential strategies for healthy aging: focus on preventing sarcopenia and cardiovascular diseases from the 38<sup>th</sup> National Congress of the Italian Society of Geriatrics Hospital and Territory (SIGOT). Geriatric Care, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/gc.2024.12702
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