Will you be hale and hearty in your golden years or dependent on others? The answer greatly depends on how physically active you are.
Many older Americans do not get enough exercise to maintain good health. This presents a problem as the normal aging process slowly takes its toll. With each passing decade after age 50, we lose muscle strength and heart function. These losses come from a combination of factors like poor nutrition, hormone changes, and declining muscle and nerve cells. But the main cause of dwindling independence as we age is usually a sedentary lifestyle.
The good news is that —no matter what age you are—you can still make gains in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness. So, it is never too late to start reaping the rewards of more exercise.
At any age or level of ability our bodies need regular physical activity to function well. Here are just a few of the major benefits of exercise:
Exactly how much exercise do older adults need to achieve good health? The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American Heart Association (AHA) make the following general recommendations on the types and amounts of exercise for healthy adults aged 65 and older:
ACSM points out that to lose weight you will need to get 60-90 minutes of exercise.
Since physical activities can stress your body and heart, check with your doctor before starting a program. For sedentary or minimally active older adults who plan to start a vigorous exercise program, some experts advise an exercise stress test. But, many doctors reserve exercise tests for people with chest pain or major risk factors for heart disease.
Besides getting your doctor’s advice, it is wise to do what you can to guard against injury. Here are some simple safety measures you can take while exercising:
If you take sensible precautions to avoid injury, exercise can give you the strength and energy to do the things you enjoy as you age.
RESOURCES:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute
http://www.cflri.ca/eng/lifestyle/index.php/
Healthy Living Unit
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/fitness/
References:
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US Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans website. Available at: http://www.usda.gov. Accessed September 3, 2008.
Last reviewed May 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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