Because of the reduced physical activity experienced by older individuals, there is a deconditioning effect. The reduction in physical capacity must be accounted for when accompanying older divers. Studies in older athletes suggest that the decline in physical capacity with age can be minimized by continued physical training. Elderly divers should be healthy, and possess a level of physical condition that allows them to dive safely. A significant and important problem in the elderly is the high incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Atherosclerosis can affect flow to the brain, heart.
These disorders may go undetected and high exercise demands induced by swimming with diving gear may result in inadequate oxygen supply and abnormal function of a tissue or organ. Of most importance is the presence of coronary atherosclerosis with coronary artery disease, heart attack or sudden death may occur in unfit divers with coronary disease. Avoidance of serious cardiac problems while diving can be achieved through appropriate screening evaluation. Appropriate screening evaluations of the heart and coronary arteries with exercise testing is useful in older divers before instituting a diving program. Most very old divers arrange for a personal dive guide to assist them in suiting up, donning gear, managing their entrances and exits from the water and accompanying them during the dive.