Exercise for seniors is the fountain of youth

Penny and Al doing bicep curls at the Sno-Valley Senior Center "Enhance Fitness" class.

"Seniors who exercise can feel 20-30 years younger," says Sno-Valley Senior Center Fitness Instructor Paige Denison. Paige is passionate about her group of 70 seniors, ranging in age from 50 to 93 years young. "I've learned an amazing amount from this strong, dynamic, inspiring, resilient and big-hearted group of older adults," says the American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified instructor.

Exercise is a priority in life to seniors. Older adults see the immediate benefits, because if they don't use it, they'll lose it." 

The Sno-Valley Senior Center exercise class meets three times a week for 75 minutes of strength training and aerobics, using sequentially learned movements to flex their mental muscles, too. "My seniors work their social muscles as much as anything else," adds Paige.

The results are happier, healthier, stronger seniors who feel good enough to be an active part of their grandkids' busy lives."

Be the Boss of How You Age.

According to Paige, you don't need to be in "good shape" to start exercising as an older adult (be sure to get your doctor's okay before you start any exercise program). In fact, those seniors who aren't as fit see even more dramatic benefits once they start exercising regularly, including:

• Less pain: Exercise is the best medicine for all those "aches and pains" that usually come with aging. If you strengthen the muscles on either side of the joint, it takes the pressure off the joint. Resistance training three times a week helps to prevent arthritis and osteoporosis. So maybe you won't need to take arthritis medication or get that joint replacement surgery.
• More dignity: Muscles fibers start shrinking around age 40. That's why squats are one of the most important exercises a senior can do to strengthen quad muscles. There's nothing more humiliating than not being able to lift yourself off the toilet. Remember: "Do squats to get off the pot."
• Maintained mobility: Seniors who exercise continue to enjoy their favorites activities throughout the golden years -- from walking and biking to yoga and swimming. Smart seniors know "motion is lotion" when it comes to maintaining flexibility and mobility.
• Decreased depression: Many seniors who feel isolated after losing a spouse discover that group exercise classes not only make them feel better physically, but mentally and emotionally healthier, too. Regular exercise has been shown to lessen the need for psychoactive drugs that treat depression.
• Increased independence: Exercise prevents the "downward spiral" that leads to loss of independence. Once a senior falls down, they become frightened they will fall again. This fear leads to shuffling and inactivity. Muscles become weaker, resulting in a serious fall that breaks a hip. Participation in exercise programs like Enhance Fitness decreases the risk of falls and length of hospital stays.

Evidence Shows Enhance Fitness Lowers Medical Costs.

The Sno-Valley Senior Center exercise class is part of the University of Washington's research-based Enhance Fitness, an award-winning, community-based health program for older adults. As an independent contractor for Enhance Fitness, Paige Denison provides fitness testing four times a year to build evidence that demonstrates the measurable improvements in health, well being and longevity of older adults.

Enhance Fitness research shows that exercising seniors save approximately $7 in medical costs per exercise class attended vs. the non-exercising group of older adults."

What Makes Enhance Fitness Different Than Other Exercise Programs?

Enhance Fitness programs offer four key components of fitness: strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning, and balance training critical to reducing the risk of falls. Programs are individualized for all levels. You'll see some seniors sitting in chairs using dumbbells or leg weights, while others are sitting on physio balls or standing. Weights are varied from 1-25 lbs., depending on individual strength levels. You can expect regular fitness checks, along with a healthy dose of fun and socializing.

For more information on exercise programs for seniors, visit Enhance Fitness and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). 

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