The aging of the population will have important consequences on many aspects of life including health, health care, and independent living. It will continue to expand, but most of the growth will occur by the year 2010. By the year 2025, for the first time ever, people age 65 and older will outnumber children under 15. By the year 2025, more than half of Minnesota's population will be over age 40. By the year 2030, the number of Minnesotans over age 65 is expected to double from the number in the year 2000.
Physical inactivity is a problem for everyone, but it becomes particularly evident in older adults.
Physiological changes occur with aging. When aging is accompanied by physical inactivity, adults are more likely to be affected by illness, loss of function, and loss of independence. In addition, many of the physical declines attributed to aging are, in large part, related to lack of physical activity. Lack of regular physical activity contributes to the development of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is one of the main causes of fractured bones in older adults.