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| Physical Activity
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Physical activity is a key to good health. It has a tremendous effect on chronic diseases. Being active is a good way to prevent and to manage chronic disease such as diabetes, congestive heart failure or arthritis. A test developed to determine whether a person could safely stay in their home alone, one of the criteria is that seniors be able to walk for 6 minutes without rest. This is the time and effort it would take to get from your parked car into the store or pharmacy, for example. See the below links to learn more about:
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| What is Physical Activity?
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| Physical Activity Defined |
| How Much Physical Activity is Needed?
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| Amount of Physical Activity |
| How to Increase Physical Activity
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| Tips for Increasing Physical Activity |
| Barriers to good nutrition
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| Single—Social isolation. 85 percent of widowed persons report a weight change during the two years following the death of a spouse. Women report cooking is chore now that there is no one to enjoy their cooking. Many men don’t know how to cook or prepare meals. Special Diet—Because of chronic medical problems, many require special diets. Special diets require extra effort and special knowledge. Physical Problems—Chewing difficulties and gastrointestinal disturbances cause older people to restrict foods important to their health. Adverse reactions to medications can cause problems with certain foods. Other problems such as arthritis, stroke or Alzheimer’s disease can interfere with good nutrition. Money—Lack of money causes people to scrimp on important foods. Financial issues may cause delays in getting medical or dental attention. For more detailed information go to Growing Older, Eating Better |
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| Why Be Concerned About Nutrition?
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| Nutrition remains important throughout life. Good nutrition in the later years still can help lessen the effects of diseases prevalent among older Americans or improve the quality of life in people who have such diseases: osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, gastrointestinal problems, and chronic under nutrition. Good nutrition in later years helps both in reducing the risk of these diseases and in managing the diseases signs and symptoms. It contributes to a higher quality of life. For more detailed information go to Growing Older, Eating Better |