Forever young - Fitness & Exercise

American Fitness, Jan-Feb, 2002

Show me a 60-year-old person who lives a sedentary lifestyle and I'll show you an elderly person. On the other hand, me a 60-year-old who leads an active lifestyle and I'll show you a young person.

Evidence continues to show that working out can help the aging population maintain a youthful lifestyle. While we understand metabolism slows with age, bones and muscles weaken and older hearts cannot produce as much oxygen-rich blood with each pump, we now realize aerobic exercise and weight training can make a tremendous difference in the rate of degeneration.

Recent research suggests exercise can enhance mental health as well. John Hopkins-researcher Kerry J. Stewart and his colleagues evaluated 14 men and 22 women, ages 55 to 75, with mild to high blood pressure who signed up for an exercise program. "We were able to apply scientific methodology, and somewhat confirm that people who are physically healthier report better moods," reported Stewart at last year's annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. He theorized that they are happier because they are in better shape and can do more. "They are more engaged in life and