Articles
The Journal on Active Aging brings articles of value to professionals dedicated to older-adult quality of life. Content sweeps across the active-aging landscape to focus on education and practice. Find articles of interest by searching the article archives in three ways: Enter a keyword in the articles search bar; click on search by topic; or type a keyword or phrase in the general search bar at the top of the page.
Topic- Physical wellness
Catering to people with motor impairments by Anne Clark
In an active adult community where most residents are independent and vibrant, there is a segment of the population that is often neglected: people affected by neurological disorders. The Lite Chair class was conceived to help people with conditions such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
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The BEST exercise program for osteoporosis prevention by Lauve Metcalfe, MS
Osteoporosis is a significant health problem in the United States. More than 25 million people are affected, most of whom (80%) are women. Women who are not receiving hormone replacement therapy, are not consuming adequate amounts of calcium and are inactive can lose 20% to 30% of their bone mass between 40 and 70 years of age. As a result, women have a 40% fracture risk throughout their lifetime, with more than 1.5 million fractures per year attributed to osteoporosis (Going, Lohman, Houtkooper, et al, 2003).
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Basic Nordic walking for older adults by Malin Svensson, MS
Nordic walking is a great form of exercise for older adults. It can best be described as an enhancement of walking. The walker uses 2 specifically designed poles as well as a specific technique. Walking with 2 poles was invented by Finnish cross-country skiers in the 1930s as a summer training exercise. Today, Nordic walking is a fast-growing fitness exercise in Europe. In 2006, an estimated 6 million people participated in Nordic walking worldwide, according to the International Nordic Walking Association.
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Maintaining fitness across cognitive levels by Muire Lindahl
Fitness staff working in senior-living facilities frequently witness the disabling changes in residents caused by the progression of cognitive impairment. To watch a once vibrant and independent resident lose the ability of self-care can be the hardest part of the work we do. However, we needn’t watch with despair; we can advocate for the resident and continue providing opportunities for exercise as long as possible.
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Flexibility exercises for older adults By Marlyn Black
Ending an exercise session with flexibility exercises is a good way to improve range of motion and stability in older adults. As a personal trainer who works with older women, I have found that standing stretches are a good option for those clients who are not able to—or do not want to—get up and down from the floor. In a public space such as a gym or an exercise class, older people may be reluctant to lay down on the floor and perform stretches that require raising or extending their legs. Besides, older adults are seated most of the day, so they benefit from standing while exercising.
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Chair dances everyone can do By Dawn Malek
Many people do not think of dancing as exercise, let alone dancing from a chair! But moving rhythmically while seated can burn calories. The Second Chance to Dance chair dance/exercise program is a gentle, but active, alternative exercise program that combines fun and fitness in an impact-free aerobic format. It is specially choreographed for older adults of all abilities, including those with heart problems, diabetes, stroke, and those in wheelchairs.
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