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Never 2 Old 2 Get Fit!

Older Americans and National Physical Fitness & Sports month

May is Older Americans Month and National Physical Fitness & Sports Month. Check here weekly throughout the month of May for inspiring stories on how VA facilities across the country are getting their aging Veterans more physically fit.  This year’s theme is “Never 2 Old 2 Get Fit”

See Previous Stories

May 23-31, 2016

Little Rock VAMC
Dr. Richard Dennis is shown leading a Veteran through leg exercises for a study at the Little Rock VAMC funded by the Rehabilitation R&D Merit program.  The study is a double blind trial testing the effects of a nutritional supplement on improving muscle mass, strength, and function in older adults.
Dr. Richard Dennis is shown leading a Veteran through leg exercises for a study at the Little Rock VAMC funded by the Rehabilitation R&D Merit program. The study is a double blind trial testing the effects of a nutritional supplement on improving muscle mass, strength, and function in older adults.

 

Portland VA Health Care System
Stepping On is a community-based small group fall prevention workshop for elderly, independently living adults.  This workshop is proven to reduce falls in older people.  The workshop runs for 2 hours once a week for a total of 7 weeks.  Attending this class provides access to trained fall prevention staff including physical therapists, pharmacists, vision specialists, and community safety officers.
Stepping On is a community-based small group fall prevention workshop for elderly, independently living adults. This workshop is proven to reduce falls in older people. The workshop runs for 2 hours once a week for a total of 7 weeks. Attending this class provides access to trained fall prevention staff including physical therapists, pharmacists, vision specialists, and community safety officers.

 

VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System
At the Sepulveda campus Aquatic Therapy for Veterans uses the pool to work out with a Recreation Therapist.  The goal is to get stronger, conditioned, and get going.
At the Sepulveda campus Aquatic Therapy for Veterans uses the pool to work out with a Recreation Therapist. The goal is to get stronger, conditioned, and get going.

 

Northern Arizona VA Health Care System Home Based Primary Care Program
Bruce Brooks, who has MS, greatly benefits from MOTOmed VIVA2 Movement Therapy, via upper and lower extremity exercise using passive movement, motor-assisted and active resistive muscle training.  He’s decreased spasms, improved sleep, and increased range, strength, focus, grip, and reaction times.
Bruce Brooks, who has MS, greatly benefits from MOTOmed VIVA2 Movement Therapy, via upper and lower extremity exercise using passive movement, motor-assisted and active resistive muscle training.

 

Physical Health Benefits of Exercise in Older Adults

  • Exercise improves strength, flexibility, and posture, which in turn will help with balance, coordination, and reducing the risk of falls. 
  • Exercise can improve immune function, blood pressure, bone density and digestive functioning.
  • Exercise can lower the risk of several chronic conditions including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers

Mental Health Benefits of Exercise in Older Americans 

  • Exercise can improve your sleep which is important for overall health.
  • Exercise is a huge stress reliever and the endorphins released can help reduce feeling of sadness, depression, or anxiety
  • Exercise is good for the brain which can aid in the prevention of memory loss, cognition decline, and dementia.

Tips for Starting A Fitness Program

  • Get medical clearance before starting an exercise program.  Ask if there are any activities to avoid
  • Consider health concerns
  • Start slow
  • Commit to an exercise schedule
  • Stay motivated

Talk with your VA Healthcare provider and team to learn how to become more active!

 

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