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Almost
all older adults, regardless of age or condition, can safely improve
their health and independence through exercise and physical activity. |
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People
aged 55+ constitute 25% of the 6.1 million Americans who paid for the
services of a personal trainer in 2004. |
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From
1998 - 2004, the number of frequent fitness participants aged 55+
zoomed by 33%, compared with a growth rate of 13% for Baby Boomers aged
35-54, and zero growth for the "traditional" fitness
participant aged 18-34. |
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Americans
over age 55 are the fastest-growing age group among gym members, up
more than 266 percent since 1987 -- more than twice the rate for U.S.
health club members as a whole. |
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Frequent
health club attendance (100 days) has soared to a new high of 13.5
million. While they already account for 23% of the total memberships,
people over 55 represent 28% of all frequent attendees. |
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In the
year 2000, about 35 million people were age 65 or older. |
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By 2030
the number will double to 70 million. |
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88% of
seniors have at least one chronic condition that can be improved or
managed with exercise. |
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After
age 30 adults lose an average of 10 ounces of lean body mass per year. |
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Gradual
loss of muscle strength is the main reason elderly Americans have
difficulty performing the tasks of daily living and ultimately loose
their independence. |
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24% of
people over age 50 who have a hip fracture die within a year. |
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30% of
community dwelling seniors fall each year. |
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Muscle
weakness has been identified as the biggest potentially modifiable risk
factor for falling. |
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Despite
a decrease in muscle fibers and strength, muscle function can be
maintained or improved with training even in the very old. |
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Even a
slight increase in muscle strength can improve quality of life and
stave off the frailty that used to be considered a normal part of
getting old. |
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Besides
strength, older adults lose ground in endurance, balance and
flexibility. |
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How
successfully a person ages is 1/3 genetics and 2/3’s
lifestyle. |
