Why Older Adults Should Exercise
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2003-11-26 15:31:00-05:00
Most people know the health benefits of exercise, but somehow older adults were left out of the picture, until recent years.
Today a new picture is emerging from research. According to "Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging" (NIA), older people of different physical conditions have much to gain from exercising and staying physically active. They also have much to lose if they become physically inactive.
NIA says four types of exercises help older adults gain health benefits:
Endurance Exercises
Endurance exercises increase your breathing and heart rate which, in turn, improves the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system. Having more endurance not only helps keep you healthier, but it can also improve your stamina for every-day tasks, such as climbing stairs and grocery shopping. Endurance exercises also may delay or prevent many diseases associated with aging: diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease and stroke; and can reduce overall death and hospitalization rates.
Strength Exercises
Strength exercises build your muscles, but they do more than just make you stronger. They give you more strength to do things on your own. Even very small increases in muscle can make a big difference in ability, especially in frail people. Strength exercises also increase your metabolism, helping to keep your weight and blood sugar in check. That's important when you consider that obesity and diabetes are major health problems affecting older adults. Studies suggest that strength exercises may also help prevent osteoporosis.
Balance Exercises
Balance exercises help prevent a common problem in older adults: falls. Falling is a major cause of broken hips and other injuries that often lead to disability and loss of independence. Some balance exercises build up leg muscles; others require you to do simple activities like briefly standing on one leg.
Flexibility Exercises
Flexibility exercises help keep your body flexible by stretching your muscles and the tissues that hold your body's structures in place. Physical therapists and other health professionals recommend certain stretching exercises to help patients recover from injuries and prevent injuries. Flexibility may also play a part in preventing falls.
The publication "Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging" is available for free online or by calling 1-800-222-2225.
Related Articles:
- Keep Active for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Choosing Health Club
- Cross-Training: Fun, Fitness
Other Resources:
- Alliance for Aging Research
- International Longevity Center
- American Council on Exercise
- American College of Sports Medicine
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