You At Your Best

bY Karen rICe YOu at YOur beSt There are so many reasons to exercise and get in shape…and another birthday is one of them. Weight loss is a prime motivator for exercise, as is reversing a negative health effect, such as high cholesterol or increased diabetes risk. But routine exercise also can improve life expectancy. Yes, exercise really can help you live longer. "Motion is lotion," as the saying goes, for the aches and pains associated with aging. The fact is, exercise should be an important component of daily life no matter one's age. Quite simply, exercise keeps the body and brain healthy. Research published in the journal Immune Aging found that how people age is 75 percent lifestyle and only 25 percent genetics, which underscores the importance of the lifestyle choices people make. Cardiorespiratory fitness Many health experts say that cardiorespiratory fitness may be just as valuable a metric to determine overall health as blood pressure and lipid levels. People with a high aerobic capacity can deliver oxygen to tissues and cells efficiently to fuel exercise, according to data published in 2014 in the journal Aging & Disease. In a study involving 11,335 women, researchers compared V02 max, also known as aerobic capacity, in women with mortality data. Women who were fit from a cardiovascular perspective had a lower death rate from all causes, irrespective of the women's weight. Manage stress and mood Exercise has direct stress-busting benefits that can promote longevity. The Mayo Clinic says physical activity can increase the production of endorphins, which are the body's feel-good neurotransmitters. In addition, exercise can imitate the effects of stress, helping the body adjust its flight or fight response accordingly, and help them cope with mildly stressful situations. While engaged in exercise, people may forget about their problems as they are focused on the activity at hand. Improve bone health Strength training and physical activity can stave off the effects of frailty and osteoporosis, which affects bone strength. A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2017 found that hip fractures are associated with diminished quality of life and survival among the elderly. One in three adults aged 50 and over dies within 12 months of suffering a hip fracture, and older adults have a five- to eight-times greater risk of dying within three months following a hip fracture. Building muscle strength, balance and bone density through exercise can reduce falls and frailty, helping to prevent fracture-related health risks. Addresses sarcopenia Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass specifically related to aging. Doctors once considered this muscle loss inevitable, and it can affect stamina and lead to weakness. However, new indications suggest that exercise is the main treatment regimen for sarcopenia, particularly resistance training. This is designed to improve muscle strength and help balance hormone levels by turning protein into energy for older adults. These are just some of the ways exercise can help older adults live longer, healthier lives. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine, and then plan on seeing him or her less as the positive effects of exercise improve your health. How exercise can help you live longer exercise keeps the body and brain healthy. that's why exercise should be an important component of daily life no matter one's age. Health screenings are a vital component of preventative health care. Specific screenings for older adults can help them stay healthy. Health experts recommend older adults schedule these routine tests. The frequency of the screenings may depend on individuals' health histories, so each test should be discussed with a physician during adults' annual checkups. • Blood pressure check • Blood test to check cholesterol and triglyceride levels • Colorectal cancer exam starting at age 50 • Weight screening to check for gains or losses • Prostate cancer screening for men age 70 and older • Breast exam and mammogram for women, starting at age 40 • Pap smear and HPV tests at the recommended intervals advised by a doctor • Hearing test • Osteoporosis test • Shingles and pneumococcal vaccines • Eye exam • Periodontal exam once per year Did you know? SunDaY, nOVember 28, 2021 | DeCember - SenIOr HealtH YOuatYOurbeSt.nWaOnlIne.COm | YOu at YOur beSt | 5 Name: YAYB 2 x 2.5" Customer Name: CONCORDIA OF BELLA VISTA Ad Number: 112821NWR9071 Best Independent Living Best Assisted Living 479-855-3714 www.concordiaretirement.com 1 Concordia Drive Bella Vista Making Memories, One Resident At A Time. Like us on

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