Final answer:
First, medical history must be evaluated when designing a training program for an older athlete to account for any health limitations. Other fitness aspects such as cardiovascular fitness, lower body strength, and balance/agility follow, which contribute to the athlete's competitive abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
When designing a training program for a 68-year-old competitive tennis player, one should evaluate medical history first. This initial assessment ensures the program is tailored to accommodate any health conditions or limitations. Because physical declines can occur in strength, reflex times, and stamina in old age as mentioned in Figure 9.18, understanding the medical background is crucial in preventing injuries and determining the appropriate intensity and type of exercises.
After considering medical history, other elements like cardiovascular fitness, lower body strength, and balance/agility can be addressed to enhance performance. Each aspect is important: cardiovascular fitness for stamina during play, lower body strength for the force behind movements as indicated by Figure 10.1, and balance/agility for effective start-offs during games which are critical for competitiveness as described in the content about swimmers and athletes.
Moreover, maintaining an active lifestyle with proper exercise, nutrition, and voluntary physical activity involving multiple body systems can minimize physical declines in middle and late adulthood, allowing elderly like the tennis player to remain as competitive as possible, as illustrated by the older marathon participant in Figure 13.2 leading ahead of younger contestants.