The purpose of this study is to determine whether exercise training may impact relevant risk factors and health costs of community living women older 65 years.

The human aging process is associated with a significant increase of risk factors (i.e. osteoporosis, coronary heard disease, diabetes) and a decline in neuromuscular function impacting independence of the subject. Osteoporosis, diabetes type II and arteriosclerosis are diseases known to correlate with age. Participating in regular sport activities elicits numerous favorable effects that contribute to "healthy aging". Unfortunately all existing studies which focus on specific diseases or conditions favour dedicated exercise regimes. However, the complex risk factor scenario of older adults requires multi-purpose exercise programs with impact on all relevant risks. Furthermore so far no exercise study longitudinally determines the effect of an ambulatory exercise program on health cost considering the specific health policy framework of Germany. We hypothesize that regular exercise

1. significantly impact relevant osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes risk factors in elderly subjects
2. significantly reduces health costs in elderly community living women

Inclusion Criteria:

• Community living Caucasian woman ≥ 65 years; live expectation > 2 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• secondary osteoporosis

• CVD-events including stroke

• Participation in other studies

• Medication with impact on bone during the last 2 years:

  • bisphosphonates
  • parathormone
  • strontium
  • HRT, anabolic steroids
  • calcitonin
  • natriumflourides
  • active Vit-D-metabolites
  • cortisone > 5 mg/d

• medication with impact on falls

• low physical performance (<50 Watt during ergometry)

• excessive alcohol-intake