Healthy aging

America is aging rapidly. At the start of the prior century persons over sixty five years of age constituted approximately four percent of the American population. In 2008 they now represent more than 12 percent of all Americans. By the year 2020 this group is expected to increase to nearly twenty percent of the population (U.S. Census Bureau, 1990). When expressed in absolute number, the statistics are equally impressive, in the United States today there are currently approximately 36 million people over the age of 65. This number is expected to almost double to 70 million by the year 2030 (Geographic Profile, 1993). Even more remarkable is the increase in the number of the very oldest members of our society. The "old-old", that is, individuals over the age of 85 years, constitute the most rapidly growing segment of society (Shephard, 1997). By the year 2030, it is anticipated that over eight million Americans will be 85 years of age or older.

Both the American College of Sports Medicine and the Surgeon General' Report on Physical Activity and Health recommend that muscle strengthening exercises be included as part of the exercise training regimen for older adults. There are plenty of exercises for seniors to keep your body fit and healthy well into your 80s!

Start today! The longer you delay, the more you will wish you had started earlier!
Start exercising, building muscles, and getting in shape fast! You'll thank yourself! And so will your spouse!