POWERFUL FITNESS FOR HEALTHY AGING

BY GREG POOLE M.SC.

f you are over 55 years of age, you are likely suffering from a silent loss of muscle and strength that is eroding your ability to live an independent life and increasing your chances of suffering a serious injury from falling.

Recent research has shown that people maintain their muscle mass and strength quite well until their mid-50's, but then lose it at an accelerated and alarming rate. The average 75-year old has lost 40 to 50% of their peak muscle mass and strength.

Exercise scientists now feel that maintaining strength and muscle mass is more important than aerobic fitness in preserving the mobility, balance and co-ordination of older adults. In other words, older adults should include weight lifting in their regular physical activity pattern.

Studies have shown that strenuous weight lifting has amazing benefits for older adults and is safe. Aerobic activities like walking or swimming do not seem to prevent loss of muscleand strength with aging.

Since 1992, Physical Recreation and Athletics at Carleton University has offered Weight Lifting for Older Adults, a five-week course that teaches people 50 years of age and older how to lift weights safely and effectively. The feedback has been wonderful. Participants report rapid improvement in their strength and mobility and that Carleton's gym is very welcoming for older people and reasonably priced.

For more information, join me for a free seminar "Powerful Fitness for Healthy Aging" on Saturday, September 11, 10 am to 12 noon in the Bell Canada Theatre, Minto Centre Building, Carleton University.

Learn more about the effects of aging and the amazing benefits of physical activity. Call Physical Recreation and Athletics at 520-4480 weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for information.

Greg Poole is Associate Director of Physical Recreation and Athletics, Carleton University.