Functional Aging/Older Adults
Psoas Stretches Benefit Seniors
Improving inefficient gait patterns is often a focus among fitness professionals working with older adults. Walking problems can diminish independence and increase injury potential. A recent study suggests that regular stretching of the hip flexor muscles can improve gait patterns among this population. The purpose of a study published in PM&R (2011; 3 [4], 324–29) was to determine the effectiveness of a 10-week hip flexor stretching program on walking patterns among 82 older adults.
Understanding the Senior Client
clients: Nola and Joe personal trainer: Mary Ann Renzelli location: Bridgeport, West Virginia
The Significant 7: Principles of Functional Training for Mature Adults
The aging of our global population and the significant increase in numbers predicted over the next 20–30 years (Pew Research Center 2009) offers a unique opportunity and challenge for fitness…
Boomers Are Fitter Than Ever
People are considered to be in their “prime” during their 20s, and they often accept that their physical fitness and health are meant to decline as they age. Contrary to this belief, a recent report says that many people aged 50 and older feel healthier than ever. The research found that 17% of the 1,500 respondents “over 50” believe they are more fit now than they were in their 20s. More than half believe they look younger than their age. This group also says that they eat more fruit and vegetables than they did in their earlier years.
Selling to Seniors
Medicine and technology are making life better for 21st century Americans. Doctors help us fight disease and infection, while computers let us access information and communicate at warp speed. Quality…
Boosting Brain Health for Seniors
Did you know that neuroscientists are now convinced that the brain is capable of superior performance even into the 10th decade and beyond? Terry Eckmann, PhD, an associate professor at Minot State University in North Dakota and an advisory board member of the International Council on Active Aging, shares what you can do for your mental and physical health to promote a healthy brain.
Metabolic Syndrome May Contribute to Cognitive Decline
Individuals with metabolic syndrome may now have another concern: memory loss. Older adults who present with symptoms of metabolic syndrome—high blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, low high-density lipoprotein levels and more—appear to be at greater risk for diminished cognition. A recent study, published in Neurology (2011; 76 [6], 518–25), included 7,087 men and women aged 65 and older from three French cities.
Therapeutic Yoga for Seniors
Almost 20% of America’s nearly 16 million yoga practitioners are over age 55 (Yoga Journal 2008), which presents both an extraordinary opportunity and a serious challenge for yoga instructors. While…
Exercise Maintains Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults
Older adults who participated in a moderate exercise program for 1 year improved cognitive functioning, according to a study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2010; 2 [Article 32], 1–17; doi:10.3389/fnagi.2010.00032). To compare the cognitive effects of aerobic training with those of stretching, toning and balance (STB) training among older adults, researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recruited 65 subjects ranging in age from 59 to 80 years. Subjects reported having engaged in very little physical activity in the previous 6 months.
Home-Based Activity Program and Social Visits Help Older People With Depressive Symptoms
For older people with depressive symptoms, home-based physical activity can improve mood and quality of life as effectively as social visits, according to a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine (2010; 8 [3], 214–23). Many older adults suffer from low mood and poor physical function. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a home-based physical activity program could help older adults with depressive symptoms to improve function, quality of life and mood.
Leg Strength = Independent Living for Older Adults
Older adults who wish to remain physically independent should improve leg strength, advised researchers from Wake Forest University and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. The recommendation was based on two studies performed by the same group. The first study evaluated physical function in 230 retirement community–dwelling adults. Many of these residents were found to have lower-limb strength deficits, and the researchers were concerned that these deficits might negatively affect mobility.
Blood Flow a Key to Older-Adult Balance
Incorporating balance techniques into older-adult training programs is often a go-to method for reducing falls. Recent research suggests that a focus on improving blood pressure may also be necessary to keep older adults safe. The study was published in the May 18 issue of Neurology (2010; 74, 1627–33).
Pilates Practice Improves Balance and Autonomy for Older Women
Practicing equipment-based Pilates twice weekly helps older women improve static balance and functional independence, according to a small study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2010; 14,…
dietary protein may reduce hip fractures in the elderly
A hip fracture can devastate the life of older adults and their families. Seniors lose their independence, suffer terrible pain and in many cases never regain their quality of life postinjury. However, some encouraging research has emerged that has the potential to lower the incidence of hip fractures in the elderly.
Mayo Clinic Coins New Term: Boomeritis
More and more Baby Boomers are engaging in regular physical activity. However, improved fitness levels may come at a painful price. According to the March issue of the Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource, an increasing number of people aged 50–60 are suffering exercise-related injuries. This rash of injuries has given rise to a new term, boomeritis, coined by the Mayo Clinic. The most common injuries associated with boomeritis include tendonitis, bursitis, stress fractures and tendon tears.
got grape juice?
Older adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment may be able to enhance their ability to function by drinking more Concord grape juice, according to a study published in the December…
Tai Chi Improves Sleep for Older Adults
Regular tai chi practice may improve the quality of sleep and, consequently, the quality of life for older adults. Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep is a persistent issue for…
Older Adults Enjoy Tai Chi and Aquatic Exercise
The most popular exercise activities for adults aged 65 or older include tai chi and aquatic exercise, according to Tracking the Fitness Movement (2009 edition), a report released by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA). Even though the fitness industry has been impacted by the economy, and sales of fitness equipment have taken a hit, the SGMA study shows that interest and participation in fitness activities by older adults remain very strong.
Tai Chi May Help Older Adults Improve Proprioception
Practicing tai chi helps older adults maintain their balance when their eyes are closed, according to a small study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2010; 91…
Cognitive Improvements and Exercise
People who experience cognitive impairments should be encouraged to engage
in regular cardiovascular activity, says
a recent study. Published in the January
issue of Archives of Neurology (2010; 67 [1], 71–79), the study sought to discover whether regular exercise could have a beneficial effect on mild cognitive impairment.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, mild cognitive impairment affects about 20% of the population over 70.
