In this study the author's gathered data that led them to conclude that older adults are by & large aware of the health benefits of physical activity (89)%, but 60% of them are not participating in sufficient physical activity to obtain significant benefits.The study goes on to cite the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services which claims that “physical activity is the key ingredient to healthy aging.”
What I took from this is two things; First, that if Seniors are aware of the benefits of healthy exercise they are much more likely to participate. This is common sense; knowledge tends to facilitate better behavior. Second, that even if those Seniors studied received the appropriate knowledge of the benefits of exercise, a significant number are not participating enough to gain benefit.
I personally believe that one way to significantly improve exercise usage and retention is through the new & exciting fun and function models of wellness such as those utilized by The Franciscan Center through the Vital Life concept. Said plainly, when we find those activities that are fun for us we are more likely to do them more consistently and over longer periods of time, than those that are perceived as “work” or a “chore.”
Because of our diverse class schedule, based on these wellness concepts of “exercise in disguise” & “stealth health”, we are able to allow our life long learner members the opportunity gain the benefits associated with exercise that those 69% of the study population were unable to attain. Come to The Franciscan Center & be that happy minority who is achieving fun & function, rather than frailty & failure, at any age!
1. Goggin, N. Physical Activity Behaviors of Older Adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2001; 9.
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