Healthy Aging During the last 200 years, the average human life expectancy has doubled in most developed countries (Partridge et al., 2018) as a result of improved healthcare and lifestyle advancements. According to the Pioneer Institute, Cape Cod's median age has just moved up from 49.9 to 51.8 years old.Despite increased life expectancy, the disease-free lifespan has not changed at a comparable level (Partridge et al., 2018). Essentially, the increasing population lifespan does not guarantee that older people are experiencing better health and quality of life (Calder et al., 2018). For example, it has been reported that a 5-year increase in life expectancy is only accompanied by a 4.6-year increase in healthy life expectancy (Partridge et al., 2018). In fact, evidence suggests that globally, 16 to 20% of an individual’s later life is spent dealing with healthcare issues (Partridge et al., 2018; Calder et al., 2018). This is not unexpected as advancing age remains one of the most prominent risk factors for disease and may be associated with a reduced quality of life, physical, and mental health (Bauman et al., 2016; Partridge et al., 2018; Beard et al., 2016; Puvill et al., 2016). Moreover, trends in causes of death among older adults has changed over the past few decades with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, cancer, and stroke comprising over 77% of deaths in 2018, compared to 65% in 2005 . However, there is good news as a commitment to healthy living counteracts a majority of the chronic health conditions leading to death in older adults, and the role of a Senior Fitness Specialist may, in fact, be instrumental in achieving an increase in healthy aging and life expectancy. The first step in achieving these goals is understanding the attributes of healthy aging.
Effects of Physical Activity on Healthy Aging
Physical activity has been well-established as a key preventative strategy to counter the physical and cognitive declines associated with aging. In fact, exercise is considered a medical intervention used specifically to address the detrimental effect of aging and associated disease processes (Galloza et al., 2017; Pedersen & Saltin, 2015; American College of Sports Medicine et al., 2009). Physical activity has been shown to have a role in reducing chronic disease (Pedersen & Saltin, 2015), preventing injuries, and improving social interactions, psychological well-being, as well as function outcomes (Figure 2.5). Although the range of physical activity may vary, evidence suggests that exercise itself offers the greatest benefit. Evidence supporting the benefits of exercise on healthy aging includes improvements in cognition and quality of life, decreases in cardiovascular risk factors, improvements in muscle performance, and an increase in active life expectancy (Galloza et al., 2017). Senior Fitness Specialists are in an ideal position to guide older adults in their pursuit of physical activity and healthy aging.( article reprinted from NASM Senior Fitness Specialist course 2023)
If you are over 40 and want to learn more about the benefits of exercise , email me at sfieldspt@gmail.com
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