The Benefit of Physical Activity for Elderly
Some years ago an experiment was made on young college students to test the effects of inactivity. Each student was immobilized in a body cast for a period of several weeks, and measurements were made of various body functions before and afterwards. It was found that the enforced inactivity resulted in deteriorated function of many body parts.
The heart and circulatory systems were less efficient, bones showed diminished calcium, muscles were reduced in bulk and strength, joints were less elastic, and the individuals as a whole were more easily fatigued. After the experiment it took months before normal function was restored.
Physical Activity in Elderly
As the years go by we all tend to be less active physically, and some of us get virtually no exercise at all. When this happens, we undergo to some degree the same body changes that were found in the college students encased in plaster casts! Fortunately, these changes can be largely prevented by normal physical activity. If an older person is in good health, no harm should come from doing such things as playing golf, hiking, fishing, hunting, gardening, working with tools, fixing up the house, and other activities of this nature. Perhaps of equal value are the psychological benefits of physical activity. Tensions are relaxed, steam is let off in a harmless way, and satisfactions are gained which can only come from personal accomplishment.
The thing to avoid during such activity is unaccustomed over¬exertion. The person who gets into trouble is the one who seldom exercises, and then decides to do something like shovel snow or chop wood. Of course, excessive fatigue should be avoided with any activity, and if there is a question about tol¬erance for exercise, a physician should be consulted.
A discussion of physical exercise is not complete without mentioning rest. Naps after lunch, or several short rest periods during the day, serve to recharge many a person who would otherwise be chronically fatigued. For those who have difficulty in getting to sleep at night, a relaxing bath and a not-too-stimulating book may help. Put the problems of the day away. They will look much less overwhelming in the morning.
The older person has more of a problem adjusting to hot weather than does his younger counterpart. He cannot dissipate body heat as readily, and he is more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This can be prevented by reducing physical activity during hot weather, and avoiding excessive perspiration and prolonged exposure to the sun.
The older person also tends to be more susceptible to cold weather. His circulation is poorer, especially in the feet, and this makes him a more likely candidate for frostbite. Prevention is simple: avoid prolonged exposure to cold and keep the feet warm and dry when out in cold weather.