It Is Never Too Late To Feel Great

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday February 24, 2004

AUSTRALIA is a little slower to pick up the baton but in the US older Americans are flocking to their local gyms and pools to participate in aerobic and weight training programs.

Should our older citizens be concerned about the benefits of exercise in later life?

As our bodies age we tend to lose muscle mass and tissue which may affect our strength and, in time, our ability to get around and live independently.

With less strength we find it difficult to walk, which increases our risk of falls that result in injury.

The following statistics from the US are rather frightening:

Of 215,000 people who suffer hip fractures each year, half of those who are over the age of 65 die within the first year.

As we become less mobile we become more susceptible to secondary illness such as respiratory disease.

This makes recovery even more difficult.

Some other interesting stats:

From the age of 20 to 70, our bodies generally lose about 30per cent of muscle tissue.

This loss can affect our ability to contract muscles with enough force to accomplish everyday routines such as climbing stairs and lifting groceries.

Our metabolism at age 20 generally begins to decrease by 2per cent every 10 years.

To avoid obesity in later life we need about 100 fewer calories a day with each passing decade.

Obesity can also increase our odds for chronic disease such as hypertension, heart disease, some cancers and diabetes.

The good news, however, is that remaining muscle tissue can be built up through continuing to exercise and that will result in more vigour and stamina throughout life.

Regular exercise will increase our ability to burn more calories.

Burning more calories will make us less likely to gain excess weight.

Remember, exercise as you grow older may:Benefit the heart;Benefit the complete cardiovascular system (heart and lungs);Be effective in the prevention of heart disease, strokes, and has been known to lower blood pressure;Reduce cholesterol and body fats;Reduce the occurrence of osteoporosis;Increase self-confidence and self-esteem;Increase flexibility;Increase strength;Improve endurance in every day life and sport;Reduce stress;Assist with illnesses such as asthma;Have a positive affect on the immune system;Improve co-ordination;Improve balance;Increase energy levels;Slow down the ageing process;Decrease body fat;Elevate HDL levels of cholesterol (the good ones);Tone and shape your physique.

Adapted from Managed Corporate Outcomes. Website: www.mcosite.com. Article supplied by The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre at The University of Newcastle. Access the website: www.newcastle.edu.au/sport

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