6 Facts You NEED to Know About Exercise and Old Age

FACT #1 … there is a decline in athletic performance and strength after the age of 30

FACT #2… changes in body composition with age can result in physical function impairments and injury

FACT #3… individuals over the age of 60, especially women, are at the greatest risk of losing bone density (osteopenia) and muscle tissue (sarcopenia)

FACT #4… the loss of bone and muscle tissue can make activities of daily life difficult and also increases the risk of falls, hip fractures and long term disability.

FACT #5… Resistance training can produce significant improvements in muscle strength, muscle mass, bone density and functional capabilities (e.g. mobility – climbing stairs, lifting objects, getting up from a chair); and thus improving the quality of life for older individuals

FACT #6… Resistance training can be remarkably safe for older individuals if properly supervised by a competent and qualified instructor and appropriate training guidelines are followed

Quick Facts on Diabetes

More then two million Canadians currently have diabetes and the number is expected to rise to three million by 2010. The world Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2025 over 300 million people globally will suffer from diabetes. Diabetes leads to many complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and erectile dysfunction; as well, it is the leading cause of amputations and blindness in North America. Type I diabetes (or child-onset) is when the body produces too little or no insulin and is prevalent in about 10% of the Canadian population. Not much can be done to prevent the onset of Type I diabetes; however a proper diet, medication and physical activity can help control the disease and prolong life expectancy. Type II diabetes (or adult onset) is when your body is not producing enough insulin or does not use the insulin it produces and generally occurs in overweight individuals and people over the age of 40. The number of people with Type II diabetes is gradually increasing. This increase is due to an aging population, the prevalence of obesity in adults and children and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. The onset of Type II diabetes can be prevented or delayed through proper nutrition, not smoking, stress reduction, weight management and physical activity.

For more information please check out the Canadian Diabetes Association Website: http://www.diabetes.ca/