Page 93 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

Although the risk of disease and disability has been shown to increase with age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Nearly 40 percent of deaths in America can be attributed to controllable factors including physical inactivity.5 Obesity among older adults has doubled since 1980.6 Seniors who are obese or overweight are at risk for chronic diseases. Much of the illness, disability, and death associated with chronic diseases are avoidable through known prevention measures, such as participating in regular physical activity.
Healthy lifestyles are more influential than genetic factors in avoiding the deterioration traditionally associated with aging. Regular physical activity greatly reduces a person’s risk from dying of heart disease and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure. Physical activity also controls weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints; relieves arthritis pain; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and decreases the need for hospitalizations, physician visits and medications.7
Physical activity also benefits cognitive health. Cognitive health, or brain health, is an important part of healthy aging. Cognitive health refers to maintaining and improving mental skills such as learning, memory, decision-making and planning. Among Americans 65 years and older, approximately six to 10 percent have dementia, and two-thirds of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease. Although research has not found a way to prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline may be preventable. Recent research suggests that being physically active and engaging in social activities may help maintain and improve cognitive health.8
Economic impact of senior inactivity
The growing number of older Americans places increasing demands on the public health system and on medical and social services. Currently, almost one-third of total U.S. health care expenditures are for older adults. These expenditures are largely due to treatment and care of chronic diseases, and the cost associated with many of these conditions could be reduced through regular physical activity.9
5Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy Aging for Older Adults, “Health-Related Behaviors.” 6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy Aging for Older Adults. “Health-Related Behaviors.” 7 Healthier U.S. Gov, Physical Fitness, “Be Physically Active Each Day.”
8 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Healthy Aging for Older Adults. “Health-Related Behaviors.”
9 Healthier U.S. Gov, Physical Fitness, “Be Physically Active Each Day.”
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