The facts of aging…
For “most” older adults, good health ensures independence, security, and productivity as they age. Yet millions struggle everyday with health challenges such as chronic disease, falls, and mental health issues—all of which can severely impact quality of life.
The right Health and Exercise Prescription® can help prevent and lessen the primary and secondary diseases and injuries through individualized program exercise development to restore function for normal daily activities.
Major concerns for senior population:
#1 Chronic Disease
Approximately 92% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two. Four chronic diseases—heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—cause almost two-thirds of all deaths each year.
Chronic diseases account for 75% of the money our nation spends on health care, yet only 1% of health dollars are spent on public efforts to improve overall health. In 2009 direct health care expenditures for chronic conditions in the United States totaled more than $262 billion.
Diabetes affects 12.2 million Americans aged 60+, or 23% of the older population. An additional 57 million Americans aged 20+ have pre-diabetes, which increases a person’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. In a 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Program for people at high risk for developing diabetes, lifestyle intervention reduced risk by 71% among those aged 60+.
90% of Americans aged 55+ are at risk for hypertension, or high blood pressure. Women are more likely than men to develop this chronic condition, with half of women aged 60+ and 77% of women aged 75+ having this condition. Hypertension affects 64% of men aged 75+.
The right diet, cardio vascular prescription, weight training and stretching program is essential to maintain overall health and should be the first defense against disease progression and prevention of secondary diseases.
Every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 29 minutes, an older adult dies following a fall.
Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, and injury deaths. Falls are the most common cause of older adult traumatic brain injuries, accounting for over 46% of fatal falls.
In 2000, the total direct cost of all fall injuries for people aged 65+ exceeded $19 billion, or $28.2 billion in 2010 dollars. This financial toll is expected to increase as the population ages and may reach $54.9 billion by 2020.
Refrence:CDC
Practicing balancing is key to helping prevent falls.
Other Issues Facing Seniors
• Lack of Movement (Muscle loss) • Sarcopenia (Bone Loss) – Strength – Power • Loss of Flexibility (Stiff muscle) • Non Healthy Lifestyle • Medical Problems from medications • Balance • Vision • Fear of losing mobility
As you can see there are many issues that seniors are facing that are not easy to do without proper guidance and care to individual needs, based off of injuries, diseases, medications and secondary diseases.
3 Simple tips to start movement toward better health.
1. Try to keep fresh fruits and veggies on hand for snacks to get your 5 servings of fruits and veggies which is equal to 2.5 cups.
2.Keep moving, Even if you have to start with 2-5 minutes of walking try to get in 15 – 30 minutes a day. (Start slow and make sure to pick a walking place that is flat and free of debris so that you do not fall.)
3.Practice stretching every day. If you do not know what muscles to stretch talk to a professional to help.
If you need guidance specific to your individual needs please contact www.healthandexerciseprescriptions.com
Thank you for your time and energy…Be well
Jaime Hernandez
Health and Exercise Prescriptions®
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