home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
/
CDRT.iso
/
dp
/
0240
/
02407.txt
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1994-01-17
|
3KB
|
61 lines
$Unique_ID{BRK02407}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Can Exercise Help You Past Age 65?}
$Subject{exercise age strength weaker muscle bones bone density aging aged old
geriatric geriatrics exercises behavior behaviors lifestyle lifestyles
exercising physical activity}
$Volume{T-23}
$Log{
Exercise Strengthens the Heart*0003202.scf
Exercise Helps Strength and Flexibility*0003204.scf
Exercise Increases Lung Capacity*0003206.scf}
Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Can Exercise Help You Past Age 65?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUESTION: I read a lot of good answers to questions about exercise in your
column, but I don't think they can apply to me. I am passing that great age
of retirement (65) this year, and suppose that all the good things you tell us
that exercise can do for people, is really much too late for me. So what do
you advise for men my age, or don't you have an easy solution for us?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANSWER: Of course I do, and it is that all the great advice about exercise
that I put in this column can benefit you as well. I suppose it goes along
with my philosophy that it is never too late, but there is a whole body of
rather recent knowledge about exercise and its benefits in individuals rich in
years that supports my point of view. To be sure there are a lot of changes
going on as you pass from the age of 30 or so up through 65 to 70 and beyond.
Strength grows weaker, as your mass of muscles diminishes, bones lose some of
their density and strength, and your capacity for physical work diminishes.
Your heart pumps blood less efficiently and so pulse rate and blood pressure
may rise, and even the rate of your metabolism drops. Sounds pretty grim,
doesn't it, and makes the end seem very near (average life expectancy for men
is 72 years, and 79 years for women). Yet every one of the factors I
mentioned can be reversed with a regular program of exercise, and I don't mean
rough physical activity, since a good brisk walk can gain you almost as much.
Not only do you get to feel better, and do better, but your potential for
accident and falls is reduced as you regain and retain muscle strength. Bone
loss is less, especially for women, and your need for medications to reduce
high blood pressure is diminished (think of what that does for your
pocketbook), and you can push back those averages and stay around a bit longer
and enjoy it more. A few suggestions. Don't push your activity beyond your
physical abilities. A good coach can help you there. Be sure to start with
some good limbering and stretching exercises, and a few more after your
exercise session. Then, keep it interesting, keep it regular and keep it up.
You have a great deal to gain. And that goes for you gals as well.
----------------
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.