There is no question we are an aging population, with baby boomers making up nearly one-third of our numbers. They have long held the reputation of a generation that takes control of its health.
According to the MayoClinic, “Healthy aging is a hot topic for baby boomers everywhere. Whether you're concerned about weight gain, sex drive or chronic diseases, the key to healthy aging is a healthy lifestyle.”
But, according to a prior study this year from the West Virginia University School of Medicine, baby boomers are also not all that healthy.
The Journal of the American Medical Association cited its findings on News.Health.com, “that medical advances have led to the longest life expectancy ever, but U.S. baby boomers have higher rates of chronic disease, more disability and lower self-rated health than did their parents at a comparable age.”
Perhaps it is the evolution of our sedentary lifestyle which consists of sitting at our desks then sitting in our cars and then dare I say, sitting in the fast food drivethru. When older Americans were young they did not have all of these unhealthy conveniences. Some may even have walked to work and then performed a non-sedentary job. It may actually help them reverse some of the ailments of aging, if they revert back to their old ways.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages older adults to remain physically active and underscores how vital it is to remaining healthy. The CDC said, “It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age.”
I like to say that it also helps with “life skills” such as going up and down steps or -- believe it or not -- being able to squat down to sit on a toilet seat. Exercise helps you stay independent by keeping your muscles strong, so you do not atrophy.
The CDC's recommendations for those who are 65 or older include two and a half hours a week of aerobic activity, and resistance or strength training at least two days a week.
According to CDC.Gov, “Not doing any physical activity can be bad for you, no matter your age or health condition. Keep in mind, some physical activity is better than none at all. Your health benefits will also increase with the more physical activity that you do.”
The Mayo Clinc chimes in on the importance of nutrition. “Eating a variety of healthy foods, practicing portion control and including physical activity in your daily routine can go a long way toward promoting healthy aging. Better yet, it's never too late to make healthier lifestyle choices.” It’s also never too late to hit reverse and back out of that fast food drivethru.
References:
“Healthy Aging – MayoClinic.com.” The Mayo Clinic. Web. 7 May 2013.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-aging/MY00374
“Baby Boomers’ Health a Bust Compared to Parents - By Barbara Bronson Gray – NewsHealth.com.” Health Magazine. Web. 7 May 2013.
http://news.health.com/2013/02/06/boomers-health-fails-to-measure-up-to-parents
“Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Aging – CDC.gov.” The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 7 May 2013.
http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/olderadults.html
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and son, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed May 8, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith