Is It Too Late To Make A Resolution? Exercise to Age In Place

According to a study performed by The National Institute on Aging, for the elderly age 75 and older:

• 40% cannot walk two blocks
• 32% cannot climb ten steps
• 22% cannot lift ten pounds
• 7% cannot walk across a small room
• 50% of those who fracture hips never walk independently again, with many dying from complications.

Wow! These statistics point out that effective fitness is desperately needed to improve the physical health of the frail elderly.

There are so many misconceptions about exercise and the elderly. Many think it is unwise for the elderly to begin an exercise program, that it will only lead to injury... however, if done properly, the exact opposite proves to be true.

Exercise not only improves longevity, but more importantly it improves quality of life.

According to the Office of Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, fitness can be effectively used to achieve the following goals:

• Increase muscular strength and endurance which deteriorates through inactivity
• Improve joint flexibility and range of motion
• Strengthen bone mass which is weakened by osteoporosis
• Improve respiratory ability and efficiency
• Relieve some of the painful symptoms of arthritis
• Reduce the incidence of pressure sores and level of incontinence in the elderly
• Resistance training has increased strength in the knees and ankles, which can help prevent falls
• Improve the autonomic nervous system's ability to tolerate stress
• Encourage healthy appetites, contributing to nutritional well-being
• Assist with activities of daily living, such as being able to eat a meal or walk to the washroom.

We all know that exercise can improve circulation and can assist those with high blood pressure, but did you know that it can also boost your immune system?

Regular exercise can be credited for a 20 percent increase in serum immunoglobulins (this change is very important to the elderly, since susceptibility to illnesses greatly increases with age). So it is NEVER too late to make a New Years Resolution to exercise!  Get out there and get moving!

Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxwellgs/