Hey everyone! Today I was featured on daytime toronto, speaking about seniors health and exercise. I will be sure to post more tonight about the benefits of exercise for seniors. As mentioned on the show, I am working at Bay and College Physiotherapy and Rehab on Fridays from 9-5. I will be doing exercise sessions for seniors and older adults, and nutrition for all ages! The website is www.rehabclinic.ca , and the phone number is 416-847-1100, please call to book your session with me.
      Everyone knows that our bodies change as we age. Flexibility decreases, joints become stiff and tight, bone density decreases (especially after menopause), and muscle mass decreases with age. Seniors falls cost billions of dollars in health care, and is a leading cause of early seniors death. A fall can mean a loss of independence, and hospitalization. Exercising can improve seniors health dramatically. Weight training can restore muscle and bone loss, stretching can improve flexibility, and blance exercises can reduce risk of falls. All of these types of movements and exercise, along with supplementation, can improve joint mobility and decrease arthritic symptoms.
       Gyms can be scary places for seniors or older adults. Many people I have encountered find gyms intimidating, and many are not accessible for those with disability or difficulty climbing stairs. Seniors should not use all of the same equipment or exercises as young adults: osteoprosis and degeneration of cartilage and meniscus can make some exercises harmful. It is important to have an exercise program tailored to individual need. High blood pressure, previous injury, osteoporosis, balance or memory loss, diabetes, and arthritis are just some of the conditions that need to be taken into consideration. The winter can be especially hard- while walking is a great form of cardiovascular activity, it can be dangerous in the icy winter weather. Exercise in the home is an safer option. It can be very cost effective exercising at home as well, as long as you are supervised or have the go ahead to work out from a health professional.
       Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about seniors exercise on the blog! Im always willing to learn more about this field. I will add some client testimonials from seniors as well, and post some more information about the show later today. Stay warm and tread safetly.