Senior Citizen Exercise Programs | Elderly Exercise Programs

ex-er-cise
/ek-ser-sahyz/
Pronunciation [ek-ser-sahyz] noun,
verb, -cised, -cising.
-noun

* bodily or mental exertion, esp. for the sake of training or improvement of health: Walking is good exercise.

* to go through exercises; take bodily exercise.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with partner organizations across the country, is developing a national pilot program to recognize communities that factor into community planning, environmental considerations and the need for older adults to be physically active. Entitled, "Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging," the goal of the program is to raise awareness about the importance of linking Smart Growth with the need for and desire by older adults to be physically active.

EPA's Aging Initiative will spearhead this multi-agency effort, which was developed in partnership with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Council on Aging's Center for Healthy Aging, and the National Blueprint Office.

Smart Growth is characterized by development patterns that create attractive, distinctive, walkable communities that give people of varying age, wealth, and physical ability a range of safe, affordable, convenient choices where they live and how they get around. Growing smart also ensures that existing resources are used efficiently and that lands and buildings that shape communities are preserved.

The program will recognize community planning and development that improves quality of life for older adults in U.S. counties, cities and towns, including American Indian communities. Active Aging calls attention to the need for older adults to regularly participate in a variety of structured and unstructured physical activities.

Communities can promote active aging by implementing a diverse selection of accessible physical activity programs, and by helping to make self-directed physical activity opportunities for those 60-plus more accessible.

A number of organizations have endorsed and are supporting the Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging Program including AARP; the American Public Health Association; the Atlanta Regional Commission; the American Society on Aging; the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists; Generations United; the Erickson Foundation; the International City/County Management Association; the International Council of Active Aging: The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging; the National Council on Aging; the National Blueprint; and Active for Life.

For more information see http://www.epa.gov/aging/press/epanews/2006/2006_0926_1.htm
http://www.epa.gov/aging/bhc/

What You Can Do to Prevent Falls

Many falls can be prevented. By making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling.

Four things YOU can do to prevent falls:

1. Begin a regular exercise program
2. Have your health care provider review your medicines
3. Have your vision checked
4. Make your home safer

1. Begin a regular exercise program
Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.

2. Have your health care provider review your medicines
Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall.

3. Have your vision checked
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

4. Make your home safer
About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:

* Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
* Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
* Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
* Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
* Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
* Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
* Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
* Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.