By: Janet Hunt
From the American Council on Exercise (ACE)
It’s becoming increasingly clear to the medical community that it’s just as important for older adults to stay active as it is for their younger counterparts. Exercise helps maintain mobility and stamina, reduces the incidence of disease, and leads to an overall better quality of life. ACE, America’s Authority on Fitness, shares the following reasons why older adults need to get plenty of safe and appropriate exercise.
1. To increase bone density and prevent Osteoporosis
As we live longer lives, Osteoporosis is affecting an ever-larger number of elderly – becoming one of the major health problems associated with old age. It affects some 20 million women and 5 million men and leads to more than 250,000 hip fractures each year. Exercise delays the onset of Osteoporosis by increasing bone strength.
2. To improve self-efficiency and maintain independence
One of the top concerns of the elderly is losing control, becoming dependent or a burden to someone. Exercise helps older adults maintain a greater capacity to undertake the activities of daily living.
3. To increase metabolism
Strength training increases muscle mass, which elevates metabolism. This may also lead to a reduction in overall body fat percentage.
4. To maintain balance and improve reflexes to decrease falls
As adults age there is a natural decline in balance and coordination. This can be postponed and even prevented with proper strength and balance training.
5. To create a sense of community or feeling of belonging
Exercise groups enhance social interactions for many older adults who may not otherwise leave their homes. New friendships are also stimulated during group exercise gatherings.
6. To improve pulmonary function
Pulmonary function declines with age due to the degeneration of the vertebral disks, which alters the shape of the thoracic cavity. Physical activity, which decreases the amount of vertebral degeneration and increases the strength of the thoracic cavity, may lead to improved pulmonary function.
7. To boost mood
Exercise reduces the incidence of depression and improves self-esteem while providing a feeling of accomplishment.
8. To help prevent and regulate diabetes
Aerobic exercise has shown to be an important means of preventing and treating non insulin-dependent diabetes by helping regulate blood glucose levels.
9. To improve flexibility, joint range of motion and functional movement
Physical activities that require the body to go through the full range of movement helps keep the body flexible and mobile. Circulation is also increased.
10. To improve cardiovascular strength
Cardiovascular exercise helps maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system reducing the risk of heart disease. Appropriate physical training has shown improvements in most aspects of cardiovascular functioning.
Janet Hunt (ACE Certified Instructor and Silver Sneaker Flex Instructor) offers classes on MWF at 8:30 a.m. at Athens’ Senior Center on Pryor St. For more information, contact Janet by telephone (256-614-3530) or email jhunt1@pclnet.net.
By: Janet Hunt
