AGE AND EXERCISE

As the body ages physiologically, joint flexibility, bone density and muscular strength are decreased resulting in poor balance and stability. This translates into decreased mobility/functioning and a higher risk of falls. In 1995, studies revealed that more than 7,700 people over the age of 65 died as a result of falling and that one out of every three adults over 65 will fall. The effect of injury-related falls due to muscular weakness and poor balance has become a serious and expensive public health problem. Fortunately, with a regular exercise/weight training program, the risk of falls is dramatically decreased. The benefits of a regular exercise regime in relation to improving balance include an increase in; strength, flexibility, endurance, joint nutrition and protection and postural stability.

Studies reveal that an increase in muscle strength, especially in side-to-side steadiness, helps prevent falls and fall-related injuries. In addition, further studies provide evidence that older patients’ muscles respond positively to weight training (demonstrating an increase in strength and flexibility and a decrease risk of falls and injuries).

Falls and their related injuries can be very devastating physically, emotionally and monetarily. A 1986 study revealed that hip fractures were estimated to account for over $3 billion dollars in direct medical costs. Quite often, injuries from falling can take an elderly from functioning independently at home to a skilled nursing facility requiring assistance for mobility. The change in functional mobility for the
elderly is often devastating. Therefore, prevention becomes very important.

Prevention is not only essential, but also very easy, providing overall health benefits for the individual. Aerobic exercise and weight training are not solely for the young any longer. Lastly, more tests have proven that as the average American ages, he/she is sedentary, overweight, out of shape and chronically ill, resulting in a progressively disabling lifestyle. Because this type of physiologic decline stems from inactivity, it can be reversed through a supervised exercise program. “abbreviated” program that emphasizes intensity and consistency.