New Study Reveals Advantages of Senior Exercise
"As a 78-year-old couple suffering the aches and pains of growing older, we're constantly being bombarded by family, doctors and the media about the importance of exercise. Does it really make that much of a difference? We have trouble getting motivated to exercise; we'd just as soon watch TV."
Though many of us can empathize with these senior adults, Home Instead Senior Care has found that an increasing pool of data spells out the inevitable fact that exercise is vital to the good health of seniors.1
In a recent study by Buck Institute faculty member Simon Melov, PhD, and Mark Tarnopolsky, MD, PhD, of McMaster University Medical Center in Hamilton, Ontario, exercise - resistance training in particular - actually rejuvenates muscle tissue in healthy senior citizens.
The study, which measured gene-expression profiles (a sort of molecular fingerprint of aging), resulted in a remarkable reversal of the "genetic fingerprint" back to levels similar to those of younger adults.
"We were very surprised by the study results," Melov said. "We expected to see gene expressions remain fairly steady in older adults. The fact that their 'genetic fingerprints' so dramatically reversed course gives credence to the value of exercise not only as a means of improving health, but as a way to help reverse the aging process itself, which is an additional incentive to exercise as you get older."
Medical science has long known that one reason people lose muscle mass and grow frail as they age is because of seniors' reduced ability to respond to the stimulus of the hormone insulin. Another recent study found that for seniors, drops in insulin response can be modified by moderate exercise.
If your senior loved one has no one to turn to for motivation regarding exercise and staying active, consider contacting Home Instead Senior Care. Our specially trained CAREGivers are screened, bonded and insured, and an exercise and activity buddy might just be what 'gets them going.'
Reference:
1. The Buck Institute for Aging.