• Almost all older adults, regardless of age or condition, can safely improve their health and independence through exercise and physical activity.

• 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.

• 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.

• In the year 2005, about 36.8 million people were age 65 or older.

• By 2050 the number will soar to 86.7 million.

• 88% of seniors have at least one chronic condition that can be improved or managed with exercise.

• After age 30 adults lose an average of 10 ounces of lean body mass per year.

• Gradual loss of muscle strength is the main reason elderly Americans have difficulty performing the tasks of daily living and ultimately lose their independence.

• 20% of people over age of 50 who have a hip fracture die within a year.

• 30%-40% of community dwelling seniors fall each year.

• Muscle weakness has been identified as the biggest potentially modifiable risk factor for falling.

• Despite a decrease in muscle fibers and strength, muscle function can be maintained or improved with training even in the very old.

• 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.

• Besides strength, older adults lose ground in endurance, balance and flexibility.

• How successfully a person ages is 1/3 genetics and 2/3 lifestyle.

Now you know, and here's what you can do about it:

Click here for information about the IFPA Senior Fitness Instructor Certification and learn how to safely and effectively train the older adult client. Expand our business, income, and credibility while making a difference in the lives of our senior population.

______ IFPA INTERNATIONAL NEWS ______

October 13-15 Bali/Jakarta

Dr. Bell will be Presenting at the 5^th Malaysian Conference & Exhibition on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine May 17-19, 2008, at the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

October

AAAC (Bali) 10^th 12^th

ABAARM (Bali) 13^th 16^th

IFPA PFT (Bali) 13th 15^th

IFPA Asia Fitness Conference (Jakarta) 17^th 19^th

IFPA AAF/S (Jakarta) 18^th 19^th

Dr. Bell will be presenting for the First Asian Conference on the Science of Aging and Regenerative Medicine July 4 6, 2008 at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore and an IFPA Personal Fitness Trainer Certification Workshop July 7 9, 2008 (Same location). 

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IFPA Conference in Indonesia!

The IFPA will have special events in Indonesia in October!

October 13-15 in the incredibly beautiful resort area of Nusa Dua, Grand Hyatt Bali, Indonesia

October 17-19 in Jakarta, Indonesia

Not only will these events be outstanding educational events for fitness professionals, but Nusa Dua is truly among the most beautiful sites in all the world.  Contact the IFPA for more information.

For more information on Indonesian events, email: Indonesia@ifpa-fitness.com

or call +62 21 780 2778 (International).

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James T. Bell, PhD. is the founder and CEO of the International Fitness Professionals Association, IFPA.

More Books from Jim Bell, PhD.

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