Fit After 50The Problem By the middle of the century, it is estimated that the number of Americans over the age of 65 will reach approximately 70 million (nearly one in five residents will be considered elderly). As America’s population ages, it is increasingly faced with the issue of mortality, longevity and quality of life. Unfortunately, aging has come to be associated with degeneration and the limited functional ability of the older adult. It is known that as adults age all of the following functions decrease: Maximum attainable heart rate Cardiac output Muscle mass Balance Coordination (neuromuscular efficiency) Connective tissue elasticity Bone mineral density These degenerative processes can lead to a decrease in the functional capacity of the older adult, as defined by overall strength (cardiorespiratory and muscular) and proprioceptive responses. The decreased ability to move freely in one’s own environment not only reduces the physical and emotional independence of an individual, it also can lead to an increase in the degenerative cycle. Research supports the concept that decreased activity may lead to muscular dysfunction and, ultimately, injury. Some of the major topics studied include: Low Back Pain Low back pain was significantly more predominant among workers in enclosed workspaces (offices) than those who had jobs with harder physical labor Low back pain affects nearly 80% of all adults at some point Men who spend over half their workday sitting in a car have a 300% increased chance of disc herniation
Knee Injuries An estimated 80,000-100,000 ACL injuries occur annually in the general population – with approximately 70% of these are non-contact injuries Research suggests that enhancing neuromuscular stabilization (body control) may alleviate the high incidence on non-contact injuries
Chronic Disease in Adults Some research indicates that discontinuing (or significantly decreasing) physical activity can actually lead to a higher risk of chronic diseases that are related to lifestyle Physical activity has been proven to reduce the risk of chronic disease and disorders that are related to lifestyle, such as increased triglycerides and cholesterol levels, obesity, glucose tolerance, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and strokes** read more
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