An article by health specialist Jane E. Brody was published in the June 24, 2008, "New York Times." The story, titled "Fit, Not Frail: Exercise as a Tonic for Aging," revealed some basic facts about aging in America. Brody asserts that every hour each day, 330 Americans turn 60, and that by the year 2030, "one in five Americans will be older than 65." Brody also explains that the number of people over age 100 doubles with each decade. These statistics indicate that people are living longer, but are they living well? As people age, strength, flexibility and aerobic endurance diminishes. Senior fitness programs can enhance longevity and quality of life.
Benefits
An article titled "Promoting and Prescribing Exercise for the Elderly" was published in "American Family Physician" on February 1, 2002. Authors Robert J. Nied, M.D., of Michigan State University and Barry Franklin, Ph.D., of William Beaumont hospital expounded on the benefits of senior fitness programs. The authors state that these programs can lower blood pressure and cholesterol while preventing osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease. Senior fitness programs can also prevent age-related depression while improving cognitive functions such as memory and comprehension.
Considerations
Senior citizens embarking on a new fitness program need to undergo a health history and physical examination. Certain conditions and prescription medications may require exercise modifications. For example, people with blood pressure problems may have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. Anyone who has had a hip or knee replacement operation may have problems with certain weight-bearing exercises. Heart surgery patients should start with a modified, low-impact program.
Misconceptions
The Americans who participated in the fitness boom of the 1970s are now in their 50s, 60s and 70s. Those who have remained active can hardly be described as the "frail elderly." In fact, as of 2009, Jack Lalanne, who was born in 1914, is still alive and active. A national organization called the Over the Hill Gang conducts ski trips and other athletic trips for people over 50. Chair exercises are inappropriate for active baby boomers, but according to Dr. Nicholas DiNubile of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, this group may have other issues. Dr. DiNubile uses the term "boomeritis" to describe the common overuse injuries of aging recreational athletes. Cross-training programs that alternate low-impact activities with high-impact ones are suitable for this group.
Types
Exercise programs designed for the elderly should include movements that enhance aerobic fitness, flexibility, strength, coordination and balance. Aerobic exercise can include walking, swimming, social dancing and indoor cardiovascular equipment. The recumbent bicycle may be more comfortable for anyone with a back problem. If sitting or standing in an upright position is uncomfortable, flexibility exercises can be performed from a chair. Light weights or resistance bands can be used for strength training. Easy balance exercises can be performed by sitting on a stability ball and lifting one foot about 1/2 inch from the floor.
Warnings
Senior fitness programs should only be conducted by instructors who are certified to teach older adults. Instructors should be certified in CPR and first aid. If possible, AED (automated external defibrillators) equipment should be available at the facility.
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