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Aging gracefully: fitness program for seniors is both life enhancing and extending

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2003

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate there will be 70 million seniors by the year 2030. Recognizing this trend, fitness centers are adding more programs for this population. Additionally, more older Americans are realizing the value of exercising (e.g., enhanced functionality as well as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis prevention) and enjoying enhanced social relationships in the process. The Cooper Fitness Center has adapted its program for older adults to include more relationship-building activities while focusing on keeping seniors active.

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Cooper Classics, the center's program for people age 55 and older, was created over a decade ago to provide the growing senior population a more diverse and fun senior exercise program. "As our members aged, we knew they would not be happy sitting on the sidelines, watching younger members take part in fun, energetic classes," says Heather Henderson, the Cooper Fitness Center's mature market director. "We also needed to adapt our classes to focus more on core stability and functionality--two important aspects of protecting older populations against falls that may cause hip fractures and other detrimental injuries." Added or changed Classics classes include tai chi, core matters, line dancing and Pilates.

When Joe Weaver, now age 89, joined the Cooper Fitness Center in 1979 his goal was to improve his quality of life. Meeting new friends was just an added benefit. "I knew the importance of exercising to maintain a high level of functionality as I aged. What I never expected was that this group of fellow Classics would become my support when my wife passed away," he explains. A true believer that someone is never too old to learn a new skill, Weaver enjoyed the Classics tai chi classes so much, he commandeered a similar class at his assisted living complex and now instructs it once a week.

In addition to offering exciting fitness programming, Cooper Classics provides transportation to the Cooper Fitness Center by a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas-sponsored van; two monthly outings to museums, restaurants and other cultural sites; birthday parties as well as screenings and lectures on nutrition, exercise and other health concerns for aging adults.

The Cooper Fitness Center is one of eight divisions of The Cooper Aerobics Center, founded in 1970 by Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H. With 3,800 members, the fitness center includes a healthy restaurant, an outdoor walking/jogging trail, strength training and cardiovascular equipment, exercise classes, personal training, basketball, boxing, Pilates, tennis and swimming. For more information, call (972) 233-4832 or visit www.cooperaerobics.com/fitness.

Quick Facts About Aging

The United States is on the brink of a longevity revolution. By 2030, the number of older Americans will have more than doubled to 70 million or one in five Americans. (1)

Functionality

Two approaches define functional disability levels. The first is the ability to perform essential daily tasks, such as eating or bathing, known as Activities of Daily Living (ADL). The second, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), represents the ability to perform more complex tasks, such as cooking or cleaning.

* Among noninstitutionalized individuals age 70 and older, 8.7 percent were unable to perform at least one ADL. In the same population, 19.1 percent were unable to perform at least one IADL

* Among those age 85 and older, 21.6 percent were unable to perform one ADL and 38.4 percent were unable to do at least one IADL. (2)

Illnesses and Afflictions

* Only 38.7 percent of older adults say they're in excellent or very good health. (3)

* Arthritis is the most commonly reported chronic condition among older Americans, with the majority of cases occurring in the 70 age group. (2)

* Ten million Americans have osteoporosis--8 million of them are women. One in two women and one in eight men, over age 50, will have an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lives. (4)

* Osteoporosis is the cause of 1.5 million fractures each year. (4)

* Hip fractures are the most serious fall-related injuries. In 2000, the number of yearly hip fractures was expected to reach 300,000 and by 2040, the number should reach 500,000. By age 90, one in three women will have sustained a hip fracture. (2)

* Between 1988 and 1994, over 50 percent of people age 65 and older had low bone density. (2)

Mortality

* The leading cause of death for adults age 65 and older is heart disease. (3)

* Among adults age 65 and older, the leading causes of death in 1998 were heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, pneumonia and influenza as well as diabetes. (2)

* Falls are the leading cause of injury death among people age 65 years and older. (2)

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/aging/(12 June 2003).

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC Fact Book 2000/2001, 2 March 2001, www.cdc.gov/maso/factbook/main.htm (12 June 2003).

Aging gracefully: fitness program for seniors is both life enhancing and extending

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2003

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