Fitness Site

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that by 2030 there will be over 70 million seniors in America. Only 38.7 percent of older adults say they are in good or excellent health. The leading cause of death over the age of 65 is heart disease and falls are the leading cause of injury death. As we grow older, fitness levels decline dramatically. According to the American Heart Association, beginning in the 40s individuals can lose on average of 8.3 percent of cardiovascular capacity per decade and 23.2 percent per decade in their 70s. Inactive people can lose 3 to 5 percent of muscle fiber every decade after the age of 30 which means a total of 15 percent lost by age 60. This can cause an increasing number of elderly dependent on others for their daily care.

Regular exercise can stop and improve the loss of cardiovascular capacity and muscle fibers. Regular physical activity at any age can improve strength, delay some diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Exercise can help older people stay independent, feel better, perk up their moods, and enjoy life more. The National Institute on Aging suggests four types of exercise:

1. Aerobic type exercise at least 30 minutes a day for most days of the week. These exercises can include walking, swimming, biking, or any activity that makes you move your legs and arms for a period of time.

2. Strength training exercises that include weight lifting or resistance training.

3. Balancing exercises which includes standing on one foot or practice standing from a sitting position without using your hands or arms.

4. Flexibility exercises or stretching can keep you more flexible.

Before beginning any exercise program talk with your doctor first. Tell them exactly what you are planning on doing and ask for suggestions on exercises to avoid.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Health professionals use Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if an individual is at their idea weight. The BMI is determined by a calculation from measurements of height and weight. A BMI of 25 is considered overweight and a BMI of 30 is considered obese in adults.

The Well Effect health professionals have years of experience in assessing, designing, and delivering exercise and other Wellness programs to older individuals well into their 90s. Our staff will also provide senior centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and family members the most scientific research based Wellness resources, activities, and programs.

For more information on healthy aging take the “What’s your aging IQ?” from the National Institute on Aging at http://www.niapublications.org/tipsheets/agingiq.asp .

Determine your nutritional health by going to The Nutrition Screening Initiative web-site at: http://www.aafp.org/x16138.xml

Have our informative Newsletter emailed to you monthly to keep you up to date with the latest wellness information
Contact our Senior Wellness division for more information, services, and prices.

Empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.