| The
benefits of fitness and exercise for the Older Adult |
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The benefits of fitness
and exercise are the same for the Older Adult as
for any other person, but the approach is different
As you can see from the following list, there
are many situations which affect the Older Adult.
It is a challenge to the Fitness and Healthprofessional,
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in order to address them and provide safe, effective programming.
Let’s look at some of the issues facing the Older
Adult:
1. Sarcopenia-leads to slower metabolism, decreased
strength, endurance, range of motion, quickness, There
is a domino effect which comes from each of these changes
in the body.
2. Diminished vision and hearing
3. Posture imbalances
4. Loss of core stability and balance
5. Fear of falling
6. Loss of social contact – often loss of life
partner or the need to be a care-giver
7. Medical, neuromuscular and orthopaedic conditions
such as diabetes, arthritis, High Blood Pressure, coronary
artery disease, osteoarthritis, hip and knee joint prostheses.
8. Depression
9. Changes in Body Composition
10. Daily use of medications which have side effects.
11. Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s
Disease
12. Diminished ability to multi-task
13. Decreased aerobic capacity
14. Changes in eating habits and digestion
15. Overall decline in the ability to continue activities
of daily living.
Regular physical activity can have a positive impact
in all of the above situations, thereby improving the
physical, psychological and social aspects of the Older
Adult, daily life.
This article appeared in Can-Fit-Pro Magazine January,
2005
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