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If you’re 60 or older, you’ve probably grown up with the idea that the transition from middle age into “senior citizen” status means slowing down. “Take it easy–you’re not as young as you used to be.” How many times have you heard that advice? If you’re like me, you probably say it to yourself whenever your post-exercise aches and pains seem a little worse than usual. It certainly seems like a lot of middle-aged (and older) Americans have heeded this advice–and taken it too far, in many cases. Surveys show that only 32 percent of adults 65 and older follow a regular exercise plan, and for those aged 45-64, the number is even lower: 30 percent. It turns out that this is a prescription for trouble. We know now that the physical decline associated with aging is not simply the result of getting older. In many respects, it’s a product of becoming less active as we age. In other words, it’s not aging that forces us to take it easy, it’s taking it too easy that makes aging more debilitating than it needs to be. The human body is much better at repairing and maintaining itself when you keep it well conditioned through a program of regular physical activity, exercise, and good nutrition. This doesn’t change when you move into old age—in fact, the old adage “use it or lose it” is probably more true when you’re in your 60s and beyond than when you’re in your 40s. Slacking off on healthy habits (like regular exercise and good nutrition) is the primary factor in age-related problems like excessive muscle loss, deteriorating bone density, declines in strength and aerobic fitness, and increased difficulties with balance and flexibility. Now, don’t get me wrong here. I’m not trying to say that a 60-year-old who starts exercising and eating well can expect to go out and win athletic competitions against the 20-something crowd. And I’m not encouraging you to jump up off the couch and start training for the Boston Marathon if you haven’t run in 30 years. Wear and tear does have its effects, and we aren’t designed to keep on going forever like the Energizer Bunny–40 may be the new 30, but 60 is never going to be the new 25. I am saying that, with a little bit of well-planned effort, you can make your “declining years” a lot less about declining, and more about staying functionally fit enough to do what you want to do and enjoy yourself in the process. Start Right Where You Are If you’ve remained active and continued to exercise through middle age, you probably know your body well enough to recognize your strengths, your natural limitations, and the areas where you should improve to better function in your daily life. But if it’s been a while since you’ve done much exercise or regular physical activity, or you’re not sure if certain problems you’re having are “normal,” it’s vital to start with a good assessment of where you are right now. That will be your foundation for putting together an effective exercise and activity plan. The Senior Functional Fitness Test These self-tests are not a substitute for medical evaluation and clearance for exercise, especially if you experience any pain, weakness, or difficulty with any of these activities. So, be sure to check in with your doctor and get yourself cleared before starting any exercise program. These six self-test assessments and age-related performance comparisons have been adapted from the Senior Fitness Test Manual, ©1999 R.E. Rikli and C.J. Jones. Continued › |
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Fitness Articles › Special ConcernsWhat You Need to Know About Fitness After 606 Functional Fitness Assessments You Can Do at Home-- By Dean Anderson, Fitness ExpertSparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more
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Dean Anderson
Dean Anderson has master's degrees in human services (behavioral psychology/stress management) and liberal studies. His interest in healthy living began at the age of 50 when he confronted his own morbid obesity and health issues. He joined SparkPeople and lost 150 pounds and regained his health. Dean has earned a personal training certification from ACE and received training as a lifestyle and weight management consultant. See all of Dean's articles. |
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Member Comments
ut I can walk and stretch Yeah. Boy have I got work to do. Thanx - 4/22/2013 12:09:34 PM
Did pretty good on the assessment, but failed the shoulder flexibility test, gosh darn it, but only on the left side. However, considering the number of injuries these poor shoulders have been through in 64-years.... - 12/4/2012 1:47:44 PM
.tumblr.com and http://65andalive
.net Its amazing what are bodies can do. - 8/30/2012 8:00:55 PM
Stay strong!
- 8/26/2012 8:31:00 PM
When I started using the elliptical, I could only do about 2 minutes, but worked my way up to 35 minutes or more by adding a couple of minutes every time. There are 80-year olds at the gym I belong to, and they put some of the younger members to shame. One advantage to being older is that you no longer care what everyone else is doing, or how good you look in your workout clothes.
Oh, by the way, I'm not in the best physical shape, and retired from a very sedentary job a few years ago. I'm in better shape now than when I was younger, when I never had the time nor inclination to exercise. - 8/26/2012 5:11:23 PM
Knee lifts I did exactly 65. Arm curls I did 65, but maybe too fast. I used 2.5# weights in each hand. - 8/15/2012 1:01:53 PM