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Almost all older
adults, regardless of age or condition, can safely improve their
health and independence through exercise and physical activity.
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Americans over age 55 are the fastest-growing age group among gym
members, up more than 266 percent since 1987 -- more than twice the
rate for U.S. health club members as a whole.
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Frequent health club attendance (100 days) has soared to a new high of
13.5 million. While they already account for 23% of the total
memberships, people over 55 represent 28% of all frequent attendees.
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In the year 2000,
about 35 million people were age 65 or older.
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By 2030 the number
will double to 70 million.
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88% of seniors have
at least one chronic condition that can be improved or managed with
exercise.
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After age 30 adults
lose an average of 10 ounces of lean body mass per year.
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Gradual loss of
muscle strength is the main reason elderly Americans have difficulty
performing the tasks of daily living and ultimately loose their
independence.
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24% of people over
age 50 who have a hip fracture die within a year.
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30% of community
dwelling seniors fall each year.
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Muscle weakness has
been identified as the biggest potentially modifiable risk factor for
falling.
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Despite a decrease
in muscle fibers and strength, muscle function can be maintained or
improved with training even in the very old.
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Even a slight
increase in muscle strength can improve quality of life and stave off
the frailty that used to be considered a normal part of getting old.
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Besides strength,
older adults lose ground in endurance, balance and flexibility.
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How successfully a
person ages is 1/3 genetics and 2/3’s lifestyle.
