Kinseiology 345, the Effects of Exercise During Aging

Kinseiology 345, The Effects of Exercise During Aging

05/23/06

"By the year 2030, the number of individuals 65 yr and over will reach 70

million in the United States alone; persons 85 yr and older will be the fastest growing

segment of the population. As more individuals live longer, it is imperative to

determine the extent and mechanisms by which exercise and physical activity can

improve health, functional capacity, quality of life, and independence in this

population." (retrieved 5/23/06 from www.acsm-

msse.org/pt/re/msse/postitionstandards.htm)

Aerobic exercise is beneficial to older adults. Excercise guidelines are

prescibed by docters to ensure the workout isn't overwhelming

but is still effective (retrieved 5/20/06 from www.infoaging.org). However, with

aerobic activity in older adults precautions and limitations do

apply.

Aerobic exercise is also known as cardiovascular exercise

. Aerobic activity

can be described

as any form of running, swimming,

biking, or walking. Aerobic, or cardiovascular, activity "builds overall endurance."

(retrieved 5/20/06 from www.infoaging.org). By participating in

aerobic activities the state of the heart and lungs is improved. Aerobic exercise

conditions the body and is significantly beneficial.

Older adults stand to benefit greatly from aerobic exercise. For example

burning 1,000 calories a week through aerobic exercise can

reduce the risk of disease (retieved 5/20/06 from www.infoaging.org). If an older

adult is being introduced to aerobic exercise they should

consult a docter first. Starting lightly is recommended. Once endurance is increased

they should increase their workout as well. By following an

aerobic workout that is challenging and the right speed a person can become

heathier.

Aerobic exercise increases the amount of oxygen delivered to our muscle.

This "generally imporves cardiovascular health." (retrieved

5/21/06 from www.infoaging.org) A study done by the Cooper Institute for Aerobics

research in Dallas compared a lifestyle with physical activity,

such as taking walks or yard work, to a lifestyle with a structured workout (retrieved

5/21/06 from www.infoaging.org). The results showed that the

lifestlye that included physical activity was just as rewarding as the lifestyle with the

structured workout. This shows that a workout doesn't have to

be strenuous or difficult to have good results.

By consistently following an aerobic workout a person should be able to increase

their heart rate by 75% of its maximum.

Being fit at an older age is not only healthy but it can make every day life

easier. For example older adults who are physically fit are less

likely to face limitation in everyday chores such as carrying gorceries (retrieved

5/21/06 from www.infoaging.org). Although getting older is

inevitable exercise can reduce the effects aging can have on people. Research

suggests that exercising can extend your life span and reduce

the of disease or disability. By excercising your mental and physical condition is

preserved.

Even people over the age of 90 respond to exercise

. For example "aerobic

activity, for 20 minutes, three times a week will improve

cardiac health." (retrieved 5/21/06 from www.infoaging.org) Among other things

following this aerobic regimen can help improve sugar

metabolism and cholesterol levels. Aerobic activity also helps "reduce age-related

losses of bone mass" (retrieved 5/21/06 form

www.infoaging.org) Even the very old stand to benefit from aerobic exercise

.

Researchers have found that many older people have difficulty with tasks that

are thought to be easy. For example researchers have

found that 42% of women over the age of 75 cannot stand for more that 15 minutes.

Researchers also found that 20% of women over the age of

75 can't climb stairs. Researchers found in the same study that 50% of older adults

over the age of 85 required assitence with walking, eating,

bathing, and