THE OFFICIAL TOP TEN REASONS OLDER ADULTS NEED TO EXERCISE

HERE IS A CLIPPING FROM THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE(ACE) ON WHY YOU NEED TO EXERCISE WHEN YOU ARE OVER 50.

It is becoming increasingly clear to the medical community that it’s just as important for older adults fo 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. Get moving today and live longer and stronger!

1) INCREASE BONE DENSITY AND PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS – As we live longer lives this disease will begin to dramatically affect a large portion of the baby boomer population, it’s one of the major diseases of growing old. It affects 20 million women and 5 million men and leads to some 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 older adults is losing control, becoming dependent or a burden to someone. Exercise helps older adults maintain a greater capacity to undertake the activities of daily with less effort.

3) TO INCREASE METABOLISM-Strength training increases muscle mass which has been shown to elevate metabolism.This may lead TO AN OVERALL REDUCTION IN BODYFAT PERCENTAGE.

4) TO MAINTAIN BALANCE AND IMPROVE REFLEXES TO DECREASE FALLS- As adults age there is a natural decline in balance and coordination, which can be postponed or even prevented with proper strength and balance training.

5)  TO CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY OR FEELING OF BELONGING- Exercise groups enhance social interaction among older adults who may not otherwise leave their homes. New friendships are stimulated during group exercise gatherings.

6) TO IMPROVE PULMONARY FUNCTION- Pulmonary function declines with age due to the degeneration of the vertebral discs, which alters the shape of the thoracic cavity . Exercise decreases the amount of disc degentrations and lets you breathe easier

7) TO BOOST MOOD- Exercise reduces the incidence of depression and improves self esteem while providing for a feeling of accomplishment.

TO HELP AND REGULATE DIABETES- Aerobic exercise has beenshown to be an important means of preventing and treating non-insulin dependent diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

9) TO IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY, JOINT RANGE OF MOTION AND FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT. Physical activities that require the body to go through a full range of motion helps keep the body flexible and mobile. Circulation is also increased.

10) TO IMPROVE CARDIO STENGTH- Cardiovascular exercise helps maintain a healthy heart and  cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of heart disease. Appropriate physical training improves all aspects of cardio functioning.