Search
Polls
Latest Forum Posts
| Re:Football unclebuck 02-10-08 12:59 |
| Re:Football adr5ram4 26-09-08 00:41 |
| Re:Football unclebuck 18-09-08 17:51 |
Login Form
| Getting physical |
|
|
| Written by Marc Aceves | Patterson Irrigator | |
| Friday, 06 June 2008 | |
|
Patterson seniors get pumped to stay healthy Despite the age-defying benefits of getting fit, the American Heart Association reports that seniors are the least physically active of all Americans. Beyond protection against heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, numerous studies suggest that regular exercise can lower the risk of the decline — dementia, frailty — that typically spells the end of independence. Brisk walks around the neighborhood are a start. But, the AHA suggests that more is needed to prevent falls and retain strength and mobility.  tip-top shape: Patterson’s Hazel Bruce exercises with friends Thursday at the Patterson Senior Center. Photo by Elias Funez/Patterson Irrigator “To be young, you have to feel yourself young from inside,” American Heart Association representative Dr. David Clyde said. “You’ll shed off those extra calories from your body and will eat healthy, nutrition-rich food that will provide you energy to carry out your activities and will maintain that glow on your face.” The Patterson Senior Center offers a pair of fitness classes for area senior citizens who don’t want to spend their golden years sitting in a rocking chair. Five days a week, fitness instructor Joel Covolo leads a group of 20 to 30 seniors through the center’s customized exercise programs. Covolo, a former president of the center’s 50-plus program, also remains an active member of the senior board. “We use videos and various exercises to help our seniors build strength, endurance and balance,” Covolo said. “We’re really trying to help do things as important as preventing falls but also as everyday as opening up a jar of jam.” Participants are kept moving to music, gradually working through one-hour fitness sessions that include low-impact aerobics, light weight lifting and a series of stretching exercises. While many seniors present the appearance of a physically healthy lifestyle, sometimes being thin, energetic and happy is not enough. When men and women exercise less and perform fewer everyday tasks, their muscles may become weaker, accelerating the likelihood of broken bones. AHA studies have concluded that lifting small weights through many repetitions is a proven way to train the body for everyday functions, and weight-lifting programs like Covolo’s can help stave off muscular degeneration. Because endurance can also decline over the years, Covolo reminds seniors that it’s important that they engage in some type of aerobic exercise. The AHA also recommends that seniors start with five to 10 minutes of cardio three times a week while gradually allowing their bodies to adjust to a routine. According to Clyde, many seniors decide against regular physical exercise because they are afraid it might be dangerous for them. However, he suggested that it is perfectly safe for the majority of seniors to participate in moderate physical activities. To be on the safe side, Clyde recommended that seniors check with a health care provider before beginning any type of physical exercise routine. “It is not your age that decides that you’ve grown older, but your mental state,” Clyde said. “It is actually in your hands to look young and feel young.” For information on the Patterson Senior Center’s Golden Exercise and Young at Heart fitness programs: 892-8299. To reach Marc Aceves at the Irrigator, call 892-6187 or e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email This
Hits: 117 Comments
(0)
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed