成人头条

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You鈥檙e listening to the podcast edition of the 成人头条 audio newsline. Learn more about WSU 鈥� the home of Thinkers, Doers, Movers and Shockers 鈥� on the web at wichita.edu.

As we grow older, leading an active lifestyle is more important than ever. For the elderly, regular exercise helps them maintain health, boost energy and improve confidence. Ruth Bohlken, director of the Center for Physical Activity and Aging at 成人头条, has conducted research in the area of muscular strength and balance.

Bohlken: "So as we age, our bodies will change physiologically, and by focusing on strengthening, flexibility, cardiovascular, we can improve or retard some of that aging process."

Maybe you've heard that exercise is important for older adults, but don't know where to begin. You're not alone. Many seniors are discouraged by fitness barriers, such as chronic health conditions or concerns about injury or falls. But many fitness experts say exercise is the key to staying strong, energetic and healthy as you get older. Bohlken says research shows that working out can improve muscular strength and balance.

Bohlken: "Through research here, we've been able to identify factors 鈥� muscular strength, practicing on balance 鈥� to reduce our risk for falling."

And Bohlken says she has seen the benefits of exercise in aging adults firsthand.

Bohlken: "I've been involved with this program for the last 15 years, and some of the older adults have been with this program longer, so I think that seeing their age and what they're capable of is reflective of the program that we have here."

Knee replacements, low blood pressure and hip fractures haven't stopped the older-than-90 crowd from participating in 成人头条 State's personal fitness courses. In fact, seven participants in Bohlken's early morning fitness class in spring were older than 90. Bohlken explains why some of her elderly students continue to attend the fitness class.

Bohlken: "I think why these people continue to come here 鈥� No. 1, the exercise is very specific to them. It's geared for improving functional fitness, so their day-to-day activity is easier."

When it comes to maintaining a regular fitness program, one of the challenges facing people of all ages is staying motivated to keep working out.

Bohlken: "Motivation is a challenge, it's a huge challenge. We have people that start exercising, but they don't continue. How do we get people to continue to exercise and making that time, making it a habit. It's a lifetime commitment. I had a participant tell me once, 'You wouldn't go a day without brushing your teeth, so you wouldn't go a day without exercise.'"

Although a regular exercise program is a good idea, Bohlken says there's nothing wrong with adjusting your workout regimen, particularly as you get older.

Bohlken: "As we age, our exercise programs may need to be tweaked. We have to change that, but it should be geared more towards functional fitness, allowing us to go to the grocery store, drive the car, play with our grandchildren and designing programs so that we can do that. We may have to back off, and that's OK.

Of course, before starting a regular fitness program, it's a good idea to consider how best to be safe. According to the website Helpguide.org, you should get medical clearance from your doctor, especially if you have a preexisting condition.

• Consider health concerns. For example, diabetics may need to adjust the timing of medication and meal plans when setting an exercise schedule.
• Start slow. If you haven't been active in a while, it can be harmful to go all out. Instead, build up your exercise program little by little.
• Finally, recognize problems. Exercise should never hurt or make you feel lousy. Stop exercising immediately and call your doctor if you feel dizzy or short of breath, develop chest pain or pressure, break out in a cold sweat, or experience pain.

The benefits of getting exercise are numerous. Exercise and strength training helps you look and feel younger and stay active longer. Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy for the elderly, period. Inactivity often causes seniors to lose the ability to do things on their own and can lead to more hospitalizations, doctor visits and use of medicines for illnesses.

Thanks for listening. Until next time, this is Joe Kleinsasser for 成人头条.