get thee to a gym

Perhaps Grandpa and Grandma would be a little less agitated if they got up off their rockers and sweated it out at the gym. At least that's what researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe found when they looked at the relationship between activity and mood among the elderly.

Shawn Arent, a doctoral candidate in exercise science and physical education at ASU, led the study. He acknowledged that while mood improvement is difficult to quantify, the evidence is "pretty decent and profound."

The study, published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity (October 2000), found that exercise, particularly strength training, affected mood in individuals over 62. According to Arent, one reason for that is what strength training does for seniors' self-esteem. "Strength training prevents loss of muscle mass and bone density, conditions that can interfere with the independence and quality of life of an older person," he says. "Mundane tasks that were once difficult, such as grocery shopping, are no longer an issue." And when an older person can resume abandoned physical activities, like playing with grand-kids or gardening, it's amazing how quickly his or her depression lifts. "The benefits of strength training are within everyone's reach," adds Arent, "even if they have never exercised before." He does recommend consulting a physician before embarking on any exercise regimen, as well as seeking the guidance of a fitness professional.