1. Technical problems in comparing data for male and female subject / Roy J. Shephard -- 2. Physical activity patterns, assessment, and motivation in older adults / Sara Wilcox, Catrine E. Tudor-Locke, and Barbara E. Ainsworth -- 3. Constitution or environment? The basis of regional and ethnic differences in the interactions among gender, age, and functional capacity / Roy J. Shephard -- 4. Limitations to oxygen transport with aging / Jack M. Goodman and Scott G. Thomas -- 5. Physical activity, fitness, and gender in relation to morbidity, survival, quality of life, and independence in older age / Donald H. Paterson and Liza Stathokostas -- 6. Aging of the neuromuscular system : influences of gender and physical activity / Charles L. Rice and David A. Cunningham -- 7. Aging and sarcopenia : influences of gender and physical activity / Mark A. Tarnopolsky and Gianni Parise -- 8. Aging, gender, and susceptibility to muscle damage and overtraining / Peter M. Tiidus -- 9. Aging of joints and skeletal system : influence of gender and physical activity / Charlotte F. Sanborn and Maureen J. Simmonds -- 10. Aging, obesity, and metabolic regulation: influence of gender and physical activity / Wendy M. Kohrt -- 11. Aging of immune and hormonal responses : influences of gender and physical activity / Shoji Shinkai -- 12 Conclusions : implications for health and society / Roy J. Shephard.