Older People
There is a wide range of evidence and a
number of reviews dedicated to physical activity and people in
later life.
It is clear from these reviews that physical
activity is effective in dealing with many health problems in
later life as well as giving people the chance to meet new
people and remain mentally active.
In particular physical activity does the
following, all of which are crucial for adults in later
life.
Muscle strength is a critical part of our
ability to walk. The Allied Dunbar Study (1990) found that 30%
of all men and 60% of all women could not maintain walking
speed of three miles an hour walking up a moderate slope
(three-four miles an hour is a 'brisk' pace).
- it develops and maintains postural stability
('balance')
Having frequent falls is a sign of poor
balance. Roughly one in three people over 65 reported having a
fall in the past year. This rate rises to 40% of those over 80
years old. Among women, 90% of hip fractures are the result of
a fall.
Of all suicides, 25% happen in older people,
although they account for only 15% of the population. 90% of
such cases had serious depression and had visited their doctor
in the three months before they died.
Even among frail and very old people, trials
show positive results for people who become more active.
External Links
- The
Lothian Ageing Well project trains volunteers to
support peers that take part in dance sessions, seated
exercise sessions and walking groups. To date, the project
targets retired people and to some extent the frailer older
population.