1. For people with Athritis, regular exercise can help maintain joint function and also relieves stiffness and decreases pain and fatigue. Feeling tired may be partly caused by muscle weakness. If a muscle isn’t used, it can lose 3% of its function every day and 30% of its bulk in just a week. (Source: AARP)
2. To help manage Osteoporosis, individuals should engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle strengthening exercise. (Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation)
3. To promote and maintain health, older adults need moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 30 min on five days each week or vigorous intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 min on three days each week. (Source: American Heart Association/American College of Sports Medicine)
4. For Diabetes, regular physical activity can lower blood glucose and weight. Both of these may lower how much insulin or diabetes pills you need to take. (Source: American Diabetes Association)
5. Each year, about 550,000 Americans die of Cancer; fully one-third of these deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity, and carrying excess weight. (Source: American Cancer Society)
6. Research indicates that older persons’ engagement in physical activity can extend years of active independent life, reduce morbidity and mortality, and lower health care costs. However, less than one-third of Americans age 65 and older meet the recommended level of physical activity (moderate intensity activity for at least 5 days per week, for at least 30 minutes per day). (Source: National Council on Aging)
7. By 2030, the number of adults age 65 and older will nearly double to 70 million. Americans are living longer and older adults can now live for many years with multiple chronic illnesses. (Source: American Geriatrics Society)
8. Much of the illness, disability, and death associated with chronic disease is avoidable through known prevention measures that include practicing a healthy lifestyle, e.g., regular physical activity. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
9. There is growing evidence that regular physical activity helps to ward off mental decline as people age. A Canadian study assessed 4,615 older adults and found an association between physical activity and decreased risk of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer disease, and dementia of any type. (Source: Active Living Coalition for Older Adults)
10. Men and women who exercise regularly have enhanced confidence and greater sexual satisfaction. (Source: American Council on Exercise)
