Senior Fitness
Aging Referred to as a Disease
Senior Fitness - Introduction Average life expectancy has gone up and is expected to continue to increase. By 2010, 40% of the population of the US is expected to over 65 years old. Aging is an inevitable biological process that gradually changes the body structure and function. There are two components of aging, biological and psychological aging. They are not synchronized and may occur at different rates in different people. Both are dictated by chronological age. A regular exercise program can reverse some of the effects of biological age and possibly the psychological age, thereby, increasing longevity. Physical inactivity can increase both age components.The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) stresses the importance of strength training for older people. ACSM recommends that seniors begin an exercise program with strength training before they start an aerobic training program. As in every population group, senior levels of fitness vary. However, with seniors there is a thin line between fitness training and rehabilitation. Careful observation should be made of the senior to ensure that they are not over loading themselves. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has set guidelines for Senior Fitness. There are essentially two types of senior populations those that are reasonably healthy and fit (A-List) and those that are frail and disabled (B-List). Aging has been referred to as a disease. Aging can be the result of lifecycle, environment or lifestyle. Exercise and healthy lifestyle have been shown to delay and even reverse some of the effects of aging. Specific systems that undergo changes during the aging process are:
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Muscular System
Skeletal System
Digestive System
Endocrine System
Nervous System
Immune System
Return from Senior Fitness to Home Page
|
