Baby Boomers and Exercise

We Baby Boomers, the largest generation of Americans in the history of the country, are aging. Perhaps you've seen the television commercials featuring Dennis Hopper explaining our generation's retirement will be different than our forefathers' retirement. Who of us ever thought an icon of the hip generation, an "Easy Rider," would be talking to us about retirement! But somehow, here we are.

By 2030, 70 million Americans will be 65 years old or older. At the same time, those 85 years old and older will be the fastest growing segment of the population. One wonders why, when faced with these facts, more members of the Boomer Generation aren't participating in the one activity that could vastly improve our lives as elders: regular exercise.

It's estimated that 90% of those over 60 in the U.S. do not participate in any kind of exercise program. It is believed that 50% of that number is almost totally sedentary. Yet, exercise has been proven to be more beneficial to this age group than for any other segment of the population.

Benefits of exercise for those 50 and over include increased energy, a lowered risk of osteoporosis, improved muscle tone, better heart and lung function, more flexible joints and increased agility, better balance - thus preventing falls, lower blood pressure, less tension and anxiety, and improved alertness. In addition, regular exercise can prevent the onset of some diseases entirely, including hypertension, depression, arthritis and osteoporosis, even dementia.

With all these reasons to exercise, why do those 50 and over turn their back on this activity? Many say they feel they are too old to start exercising after a lifetime of not doing so, others say they cannot exercise due to chronic health problems, while others say they feel they don't "fit in" at gyms and fitness centers.

Benefits to health can be attained with only 15-20 minutes of moderate physical activity 4-5 times a week. These activities could include housecleaning, gardening and slow walking. Most people with physical limitations find themselves able to accomplish more activity than they originally thought possible.