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Older Adults and Physical Activity for Health

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Older Adults and Physical Activity for Health

There are significant health benefits for older adults who participate in regular exercises several times a week for about 30 minutes each. The findings have found that increasing to at least 2 new community-based programs of physical exercise has many health related benefits such as lowering stress, depression and lowering older adults body mass index. The study concentrated only on community or provider based programs. The study did have significate justification and well measureable results of the class participates. In my opinion the findings of the study did prove that community-based programs do work to improve older adults with disabilities especially with risk factors. I do agree that there needs to be more funding from local and national agengcies and more community-based programs.
Social workers can advocate for funding to start a program or link their clients to the approiate communinty-based programs that already exists such as the YMCA. But, they would have to coordinate transportation issues to such programs. Social workers are excellent advocates and coordinators which can help and meet their clients physical fitness goals. They could also facilitate with medical providers to monitor their clients health concerns while meeting these goals. Physical activity for older adults is essential. Mantaining a good effective exercise program is the key. This article from the Center for Disease Control has wonderful guidelines for older adults to follow. It stresses how much physical activity is needed to keep the body in good working condition. People whom have chronic conditions or have a disablitiy are very much encourged to be active, thus it can improve their quality of life and can lower the risk other health related conditions. Other benefits of exercising including losing weight can in many adults reverse diabetes or improve heart, lung function and muscle. Only a few hours every week can make a diffence in improving one’s health. Social workers can help older adults by suggesting that they exercise or participate in some kind of physical activity with the guidiance of their doctor or health care provider. Advocating and finding resources where older adults can participate could include fitness clubs or the YMCA. Others can even do exercises in their homes, adult day care facilities or nursing homes. Many of these suggestions do have activity programs, also many health insurance programs now offer the benefit of joining a health club facilitiy. Social workers can coordinate or suggest many of these physical activity needs of their clients. But working along with health care providers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why should older adults be active?
Physical activity is one of the most important things older adults can do to maintain physical and mental health and quality of life as they get older. Independent living depends on older adults being able to do the things they want to do when they want to do them. To stay independent, older adults need to be able to reach, bend, lift, carry, and move around easily. Staying physically active will help them to keep moving, and stay strong. Being active is very safe for most older adults: They should consult with their physician or healthcare provider before starting. They should start slowly Accumulate 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity. Older adults should choose a variety of activities from these three groups:
Endurance: increases heart, lungs, and circulatory system
Continuous activities that make them breathe deeply and feel warm
Increase their energy
Flexibility: Keeps muscles relaxed and joints mobile, Gentle reaching, bending, and stretching
Strength & Balance: Improves balance, posture, keeps muscles and bones strong. Lift weights and do resistance activities
Benefits from regular physical activity:
Continued independent living
Better physical and mental health Improved quality of life
More energy
Move with fewer aches and pains
Better posture and balance Improved self-esteem
Weight maintenance
Stronger muscles and bones
Relaxation and reduced stress Meet new people Feel more relaxed
Sleep better
Social Workers:
Can encourage their client/patient to exercise regularly
Can develop intervention stratirgies for exercise plans with healthcare providers, family members and others
Can coordinate community physical activity programs
Can be a coach to their client/patient
Can develop treatment plans to help track goals
Ask the local YMCA or fitness clubs if they have programs at a reduced cost for older adults
Work with physicians or other health-care providers to help older adults
Approach health organizations such as American Heart Association, and the Arthritis Foundation to help choose programs that are right for older adults
Work with local health department to help you find what is available in community encouraging community use of schools for older adult physical activity programs recruiting older adults as volunteers in supervising young children in active (walking) promoting physical activity in community parks, recreation facilities, older adult community living residences facilitating with community leaders transportation needs to and from physical activity programs for older adults in need sponsoring safe, active transportation through bike paths walking trails, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods
Some facts to think about:
Research suggest that being active reduces the risk of: Heart disease Falls and injuries Obesity High blood pressure Adult-onset diabetes Osteoporosis Stroke Depression Colon cancer Premature death
Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Promoting Active Lifestyles Among Older Adults. Atlanta: CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2011. Website. http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/recommendations/older_adults.htm

Hughes, Susan L., et al. "Best Practice Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults: Findings From the National Impact Study." Research and Practice 99.2 (2009): 362-368. Print.

National Institute on Aging. Exercise & Physical Activity–Go4Life. National Institutes of Health. 2009. Print. Website. http://www.nia.nih.gov.htm

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