Boomers can defy aging
Lead Summary
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“Continuing to be physically active becomes very important as we age,” says W. Bradley Strauch, M.D., with Highland Advanced Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine at Highland District Hospital. “As we grow older we can become frail and weaker. Exercise helps prevent thinning of our bones and the loss of healthy muscle. It is also great for maintaining our mental capabilities. Fortunately,” says Dr. Strauch, “there are beneficial physical activities for every body type at every age.”
Exercise and physical activity are among the healthiest things “boomers” can do for themselves. However, it can be difficult to get started if you’ve had a sedentary lifestyle or had to work at a desk for years. Bad body image can also prevent people from taking that first step.
“The benefits of exercise far outweigh the risk of it being too strenuous or that physical activity will be harmful,” says Dr. Strauch. “In fact, research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) actually shows the opposite to be true.”
According to NIH:
· Exercise is safe for people of all age groups.
· Older adults hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising.
And although new seniors don’t happily accept the label of being “older”, an inactive lifestyle can cause boomers to lose ground in four areas that are important for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility and endurance.
“Another benefit of exercise,” says Dr. Strauch, “is that it helps create a more positive outlook on life. It’s a great anti-depressant. Recently,” he adds, “a team of researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that an aerobic exercise program decreased depression and improved the cognitive abilities of middle-aged and elderly men and women.
“Thirty minutes of aerobic activity such as riding a stationary bike or walking three times a week can make a tremendous impact both physically and mentally. Also, the better the blood flow is to your brain, the better you think.”
Pushing the envelope can have its drawbacks, so be cautious as you start exercising. “Be reasonable with your exercise goals, especially if you are a newly reformed couch potato,” says Dr. Strauch. “Talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen.”
small;">People who are new to exercising are encouraged to learn what a healthy pulse rate is for them, especially if they have heart disease or are taking medications. “Your healthcare provider can help you find a program and pulse-rate zone that match your needs, goals and physical condition,” says Dr. Strauch.
“Educate yourself on the variety of exercise opportunities available to you,” recommends Dr. Strauch. “Find something you love to do; start slowly with 10 minutes of activity and work up from there. In addition to walking, dancing is another good way to enjoy yourself, get in shape and increase your mental capacity. There has been a lot of research on the link between activities such as walking and dancing to help decrease the risk of age-related dementia.”
So, don’t put it off! Getting started can help you embrace the joys of getting older and be as active as you want to be.
As an orthopedic and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Strauch treats disorders of the bones and joints, as well as the muscles, tendons and ligaments associated with them. He also advises patients on using physical exercises to improve endurance, strength and flexibility. For an appointment with Dr. Strauch, call (937) 393-6461.
By: Melanie Phillips
Highland District Hospital
“Continuing to be physically active becomes very important as we age,” says W. Bradley Strauch, M.D., with Highland Advanced Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine at Highland District Hospital. “As we grow older we can become frail and weaker. Exercise helps prevent thinning of our bones and the loss of healthy muscle. It is also great for maintaining our mental capabilities. Fortunately,” says Dr. Strauch, “there are beneficial physical activities for every body type at every age.”
Highland District Hospital
“Continuing to be physically active becomes very important as we age,” says W. Bradley Strauch, M.D., with Highland Advanced Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine at Highland District Hospital. “As we grow older we can become frail and weaker. Exercise helps prevent thinning of our bones and the loss of healthy muscle. It is also great for maintaining our mental capabilities. Fortunately,” says Dr. Strauch, “there are beneficial physical activities for every body type at every age.”
Exercise and physical activity are among the healthiest things “boomers” can do for themselves. However, it can be difficult to get started if you’ve had a sedentary lifestyle or had to work at a desk for years. Bad body image can also prevent people from taking that first step.
“The benefits of exercise far outweigh the risk of it being too strenuous or that physical activity will be harmful,” says Dr. Strauch. “In fact, research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) actually shows the opposite to be true.”
According to NIH:
· Exercise is safe for people of all age groups.
· Older adults hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising.
And although new seniors don’t happily accept the label of being “older”, an inactive lifestyle can cause boomers to lose ground in four areas that are important for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility and endurance.
“Another benefit of exercise,” says Dr. Strauch, “is that it helps create a more positive outlook on life. It’s a great anti-depressant. Recently,” he adds, “a team of researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that an aerobic exercise program decreased depression and improved the cognitive abilities of middle-aged and elderly men and women.
“Thirty minutes of aerobic activity such as riding a stationary bike or walking three times a week can make a tremendous impact both physically and mentally. Also, the better the blood flow is to your brain, the better you think.”
Pushing the envelope can have its drawbacks, so be cautious as you start exercising. “Be reasonable with your exercise goals, especially if you are a newly reformed couch potato,” says Dr. Strauch. “Talk with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen.”
People who are new to exercising are encouraged to learn what a healthy pulse rate is for them, especially if they have heart disease or are taking medications. “Your healthcare provider can help you find a program and pulse-rate zone that match your needs, goals and physical condition,” says Dr. Strauch.
“Educate yourself on the variety of exercise opportunities available to you,” recommends Dr. Strauch. “Find something you love to do; start slowly with 10 minutes of activity and work up from there. In addition to walking, dancing is another good way to enjoy yourself, get in shape and increase your mental capacity. There has been a lot of research on the link between activities such as walking and dancing to help decrease the risk of age-related dementia.”
So, don’t put it off! Getting started can help you embrace the joys of getting older and be as active as you want to be.
As an orthopedic and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Strauch treats disorders of the bones and joints, as well as the muscles, tendons and ligaments associated with them. He also advises patients on using physical exercises to improve endurance, strength and flexibility. For an appointment with Dr. Strauch, call (937) 393-6461.
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