By Donna V. Scaglione
Ask anyone who studies the effects of aging on the body and they’ll likely tell you that exercise is “the closest thing we have to the fountain of youth.” That’s how Marie Bernard, deputy director of the National Institute of Aging, recently characterized exercise in an interview with USA Today.
But despite what we know about exercise — it helps us stave off age-related problems like dementia, frailty, loss of independence, and muscle and bone loss — more than 62 percent of adults don’t meet federal exercise guidelines. You don’t have to be one of these people. Even if you are not very physically active, it’s not too late to lace up your sneakers and get moving.
How much do you need?
In addition to fighting the effects of aging, exercise cuts your risk of getting Type-2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as helps combat depression. How much do you need? Older adults should get 150 minutes a week of exercise of moderate intensity, plus two or more days of weight training involving your major muscle groups, says the Department of Health and Human Services.
The weight or resistance training is critical for maintaining muscle mass and strong bones, which, in turn, helps prevent falls and broken bones. A broken bone is an especially life-altering event for older people, who often end up in rehabilitation facilities unable to care for themselves.
