Learning About:
Active Aging: Movement Matters
Learning about Physical Activity:
Health Strategies to optimize quality of life and avoid injury
Joseph Rotella
Introduction
One of the biggest challenges that face healthcare professionals is how to enable older people to adopt lifestyle choices that promote physical activity and regular exercise, in order to enhance health, well being and participation in society. Older people themselves are becoming increasingly aware that regular physical activity can improve health outcomes, although uncertainty exists regarding which activities are most beneficial for people who are healthy, frail or disabled. It is now well established that health related problems increase with both age and inactivity (Mathers (1999), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, World Health Organization (WHO)). With the rapid population shift that is currently occurring throughout industrialized nations, the number of older adults seeking information, advice, support or treatment in order to regain, maintain or improve their physical abilities will rapidly increase. Compared to young adults, people over the age of 65 years old are likely to have a higher incidence of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, depression, stroke and Parkinson’s disease (WHO 1996). More than 85% of individuals aged 65-100 have at least one chronic condition and the numbers continue to increase with advancing age (Hoffman 1996, Rice 1996). Evidence is accumulating that the onset, progression and severity of many chronic conditions and diseases can be prevented or at least, minimized and delayed with the provision of effective health promotion programmes, therapeutic exercises or physical activities (Harvey 1996).
According to Mathers (1999), physical inactivity is responsible for about 7% of the burden of all preventable illness and disabilities. Physical inactivity is second only to smoking as a cause of morbidity and premature mortality. Regular activity has been reported to be associated with increase physical and psychological self sufficiency, as well as independence and quality of life in older workers (Biddle 2000). Physical inactivity has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease and the increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, such as low back pain (Straker 2000).
The growing concern about physical inactivity presents an even greater challenge when applied to the ageing person especially the ageing worker. The US Surgeon General’s report on physical activity and health (Surgeon General 1996) and Canada’s physical activity guide (Health Canada 2001) document the economic and health impacts of inactivity in the workplace. Well established health benefits of a physically active workforce include attenuation of coronary heart disease, reduced musculoskeletal dysfunction, improved management of disease such as diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, obesity and hypertension (Linnan and Marcus 2001). Regular physical activity has also been shown to attenuate age related reduction in muscle strength, functional capacity and cognitive performance (Pate 1995).
In ancient times movement was essential for survival, whereas today it plays a large role in protecting a person from many chronic diseases and determining their quality of life. Comparing active versus sedentary individuals shows that those who choose to engage in moderate physical activity live longer than their sedentary peers. One must however, realize and accept the risks associated with everyday movement and activity such as, increased incidence of falls and musculoskeletal injury. These risks are particularly high in the first few weeks of an exercise programme or if the individual is untrained (Pollock 1988). The benefits of activity seem to greatly out way any of the negative aspects associated with movement. The following sections will outline some issues involving activity and ageing.
