According to a new report from the World Health Organization, nearly 2 billion adults across the globe are at risk of disease from not engaging in enough physical activity.
The report adds that people over 60 are even less active than other adults, underscoring the importance of promoting physical activity for seniors.
We naturally start to lose about 1% of our muscle mass every year after we turn 26; our body systems slowly become less efficient and we’re more prone to chronic disease.
In Delaware, one of the oldest states in the U.S., Daniel White – associate professor of physical therapy and director of UD’s ACTIVE Lab – is creating practical ways to increase activity in older adults.
White says the key is to find activities that you like doing.
“Nowadays, we do have a lifestyle that is very much more predicated towards being sedentary,” White said. “We’re living longer, which is great, but now the question is how can we sustain the quality of life we have. Finding activities that you enjoy that are active is the key to this.”
Consistent physical activity can also make the difference.
“A lot of these things are reversible and we can mitigate or lessen the burden or changes that happen over time by being active,” White said. “In doing so, some of these age-related changes that we see, such as the muscle wasting, are reversed.”
White adds that a great way to start improving activity is to make an appointment with a physical therapist, who can help put together a plan that works for you.
For more information on improving physical activity and the ACTIVE Lab at the University of Delaware, visit the following links:
