 |
|
Seniors Keep Active,
Keep Healthy
Our bodies change
as we grow older and older adults may face a loss of mobility
and independence due to health concerns. However, there are
many ways to minimize the effects of these changes that can
enhance your quality of life.
Regular exercise
is one vital component to maintaining good health as you age.
It’s a common misconception that the older you are,
the less exercise your body needs. The truth is regular exercise
has been shown to reduce a number of conditions, including
obesity, depression and diabetes in seniors.
Do you know?
- Sixty percent of older adults are inactive
- Sitting or lying for long periods of time is a serious
health risk (World Health Organization)
- Inactivity leads to declines in bone strength, muscle
strength, heart and lung fitness, and flexibility
- Inactivity is as harmful to your health as smoking (Ref:
Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active
Living for Older Adults)
- Persons with high levels of muscular strength have fewer
functional limitations and lower incidences of diabetes,
stroke, arthritis, coronary artery disease and lung disorders
(Warburton et al, 2006)
- Mobility is a significant factor to perceived levels
of health, well-being and quality of life (Bourret, Bernick,
et al., 2002). As people age, there is an increased
chance of requiring a hospital stay. A prolonged stay in
hospital, although may be necessary, can have significant
negative effects on the body.
Do you know the
effects of bed rest on older persons?
- Hospitalization of older people often results in functional
decline (Palmisano-Mills, 2007)
- Muscle atrophy and a breakdown in protein occurs with
bed rest which leads to decreased body mass and generalized
muscle weakness.
- Muscle mass decreases by 5% per day if no voluntary contractions
(Creditor, 1993).
- Reduced weight-bearing is associated with calcium loss
from bones and leads to increased blood calcium levels (Dale,
2004).
Start today.
- Take the Healthy Physical Activity Participation Questionnaire
to determine how active you are. Please consult with
your physician before beginning any exercise program or
routine.
As your partner in living the best
quality of life,Trillium is here to help.
This information
adapted and reprinted with permission from Seniors Health
Bulletin, Fall 2007 edition.
We
look forward to your comments regarding our WholeLife campaign.
Drop us a note and let us know how we can better help you
improve your quality of life. Email WholeLife@thc.on.ca
|
|
