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| It is never too late to start. |
George Burns, comedian legend who lived to be 100, used to
say, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care
of myself!” As more Americans enter their golden years they can begin to
identify with the wit and wisdom of Mr. Burns. Most seniors today can expect a
much longer life span than previous generations, yet longevity without quality
of life is a major concern for this growing segment of the population. The golden years are really no fun if you are
hindered by a fail or sick body.
Regular exercise has been proved to be a key element to
improving quality of life for seniors and the elderly. Besides boosting mood and producing a feeling
of well being, the benefits of exercise among this age group include
improvements in blood pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and
neuro-cognitive function. According to the
American Academy of Family Physicians, regular exercise dramatically helps the
elderly:
· Fight off infection and sickness by
increasing the function of the Immune System.
This makes recovery from illness less a strain to the aging body.
· Reduce risk of heart disease and blood
pressure by strengthening the Cardio-Respiratory and Cardiovascular functions
of the body.
· Increase bone density by curbing the
loss of bone mass. This reduces the risk
of osteoporosis and broken bones due to falls.
· Promote proper elimination of bodily
waste and actively aids digestive health.
This aids in the prevention of colon cancer.
·
Lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease,
dementia and age-related morbidity.
·
Aid in the management of high
cholesterol and arthritis pain.
If regular exercise protects from chronic diseases, improves
moods and lowers chances of injury, why is it that 75% of older Americans do
not participate in physical activity? Many elderly claim discomfort or
disability as their main reason not to exercise. Some fear injury but most have fallen into
the habit of a sedentary lifestyle which they continue as they age. Yet according to a Harvard Alumni study,
increases in life expectancy can be gained by people who begin regular exercise
even at the age of 75. In fact they tend
to outlive those who were physically active earlier in life and later gave up
exercising. In other words, it is never
too late to start.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine and
American Heart Association, there are three areas of physical activity that
elder adults should concentrate on.
- Aerobic Exercise - Thirty minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity five days a week will increase the body’s cardio respiratory endurance and improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Aerobic activity includes anything that gets the heart rate up and requires faster breathing such as walking, dancing, jogging, biking or swimming.
- Strength/Resistance Training - Strengthen muscles by working on all major muscle groups two to three sessions a week. Strength training builds and tones muscles, prevents loss of bone mass and improves balance. Strength training is done with repetitive motions using light weights, resistance bands or nautilus machines.
- Stretching/Flexibility Exercises - Maintaining flexibility and balance are essential in minimizing fall risks. Stretching to warm up and cool down from exercise reduces muscle soreness. Yoga and Pilates programs focus on developing a strong ‘core,’ the set of muscles dealing with the stomach, lower back and spine which help the elderly with posture and back pain. Tai Chi or Qi Gong exercise uses slow controlled movements which promote balance.
Many elderly people may feel that starting an exercise
program at their age is beyond their abilities.
By starting slowly, elderly exercisers can build up endurance, strength and
confidence over time. Those new to
exercise should set obtainable goals and chart their exercise activity to keep
their program on track until it becomes a habit. Joining an exercise class especially designed
for the elderly will help ensure that exercise is done properly, reducing risk
of injury. Also participating in a class
makes exercise a fun, social event. With long range health as the goal, daily
exercise is one thing that the aging can do to ensure their golden years are
truly golden.
Kate McCarthy is Director of Operations for HomeAid Health
Care which provides non-medical home services for the elderly who wish to
remain safe and independent at home.
HomeAid is a sister company to Prairie Home Assisted Living which has
served the physical, spiritual, mental
and health needs of their residents since 1999.
Together the two companies provide comprehensive care that meets the
needs of the elderly in the Fox Valley of Wisconsin.
Sources:
American
College of Sports Medicine Position Stand.
Exercise and physical activity for older adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1998;30:992-1008.
AAFP,
“Promoting and Prescribing Exercise for the Elderly” by Rober J. Nied, M. D.
& Barry Franklin, PH.D. Retrieved on
5/23/12 from www.aafp.org/afp.
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