Some of these attitudes were revealed in a recent study by Harvard Medical School, which found that negative stereotypes about old age that many Americans encounter in TV commercials and everyday conversation can actually accelerate aging. Levy reports that those exposed to the positive words showed significantly higher self-confidence and more mathematical skills. This, in turn, could lead to older individuals mistakenly attributing decline in their health to the inevitability of aging, which might then reinforce the negative stereotypes and prevent successful aging. The manual's emphasis is on improving heart rate, lung capacity and the limpidity of the circulatory system. Jogging, walking, swimming, even dancing or a half-day spent raking leaves and hoeing weeds are suggested.
Swimming can be effective in easing chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
The NIA advises a light, twice-weekly weightlifting program. Weights, the manual asserts, should challenge the user without being overtaxing. Three sets of 8-15 repetitions are recommended for each muscle group. Seniors should be mindful of stretching before and after strength exercises, and should not work the same muscle group on consecutive days. Working on this vital area helps prevent falls, a common cause of problems such as broken hips, which may permanently rob old people of their physical freedom.