Importance of Physical Activity in Seniors

Aging is frequently associated with a decrease in physical activity (Kumar et al., 2022). However, research shows that participating in regular exercise can have significant benefits for older adults (Anker et al., 2014; Farkas et al., 2013) and is one of the most important things one can do for their overall health (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Muscle wasting is a natural consequence of the aging process, as well as various acute and chronic illnesses which can lead to a loss of independence, dysfunction, and an increased risk of physical dependence (Ni et al., 2022).

The benefits of regular physical activity are numerous, and include improved balance, reduced falls and injuries, increased level and length of independence, prevention of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, some cancers, and premature death (Government of Canada [GOC], 2019). In addition, regular physical activity is also associated with many psychological benefits, including an overall sense of wellbeing, preventative affects for depression, as well as neurodegenerative diseases (Kumar et al., 2022).

The staff at the Madeline are aware of these important details of healthy aging, and for that reason, we see the value in encouraging physical activity at every opportunity. Some of the physical activities that we incorporate into our daily routine include going for walks, gentle stretching, exercise bike, arm weights, chair yoga, gardening, and trips to the Public Gardens when the weather allows. We take cues from our clients and their interests, and therefore, continually attempt to cater our offered activities to their personal preferences.

References:

Anker, S. D., Coats, A. J., Morley, J. E., Rosano, G., Bernabei, R., von Haehling, S., & Kalantar-Zadeh, K. (2014). Muscle wasting disease: a proposal for a new disease classification. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 5(1), 1-3.

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). How much physical activity do older adults need? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/index.htm

Farkas, J., von Haehling, S., Kalantar-Zadeh, K., Morley, J. E., Anker, S. D., & Lainscak, M. (2013). Cachexia as a major public health problem: frequent, costly, and deadly. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 4(3), 173-178.

Government of Canada (2019). Physical activity tips for older adults (65 years and older). Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/physical-activity-tips-older-adults-65-years-older.html

Kumar, S., Kunduru, S., & Demonge, K. (2022). Physical activity levels among community dwelling and care home dwelling elderly population. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, 16(1).

Ni, H., Hsu, T., Chen, L., Chou, H., Tung, H., Chow, L., & Chen, Y. (2022). Effects of exercise programs in older adults with muscle wasting: a systematic review and meta-analysis: effects of exercise programs in muscle wasting. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 99, 104605.