Whether age or a sedentary lifestyle is to blame, seniors are more susceptible to exercise-related injuries than the general population. To prevent injuries, individuals should start slowly and gradually build up to more strenuous exercises. In the first Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, published in 1996, then acting Surgeon General Audrey F. Manley recommended a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week for seniors who have built up their physical activity level. Jette says that family members play a key role in getting seniors started on, and committed to, exercise programs. Quite often, however, the opposite occurs.
Children feel their parents are more at risk when exercising and suggest inactivity instead.
That is very bad advice. For more information about senior citizens and exercise or other health matters, call 638-6767.