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At any age, physical fitness key to lasting health

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Contributed by: The Bawmann Group on 7/26/2007

BOULDER -July 26, 2007 -The 2007 State of Aging and Health in America Report predicts that by the year 2030 the number of Americans aged 65 and older will reach 71 million. The astonishing number is double the amount now and will equal 20 percent of the total U.S. population. It is crucial to educate these Americans on the importance of proper fitness, ensuring that the added years are healthy years.

The residents at The Academy know that getting older does not necessarily mean slowing down. Whether a group of early bird seniors is lacing up their tennis shoes for a morning aerobics class or a couple of friends are heading off on foot for an afternoon adventure, The Academy staff knows that exercise can be beneficial and enjoyable at any age.

Nestled at the base of the foothills in Boulder, Colorado, The Academy is one of the nation's finest locally owned, independent living retirement communities. Catering to residents with luxurious dining, beautiful accommodations and individualized care, The Academy is not just a place to grow old but a place to grow.

The Academy's exercise programs are founded on the importance of physical health and flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning and strength training. Several classes are offered ranging from aerobics and yoga to tai chi. Additionally, there is a fitness room with a variety of exercise equipment for those who prefer an individual workout and staff nurse workshops and educational classes for those seeking guidance and wellness advice.

Specialized Alzheimer's and dementia care at The Academy at Bella Vista is also provided. This unique memory-care community offers its own recreational activities and fitness programs.

"I work with the Bella Vista residents on gently improving their range of motion and helping them stay independent in their daily lives," said Melissa Pruitt, The Academy and Bella Vista fitness instructor. "It's about coming together and community, but in its core it is functional and effective fitness too."

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends four types of senior exercises to improve strength, balance and flexibility and endurance.

1. Strength exercises build older adult muscles and increase your metabolism, which helps to keep your weight and blood sugar in check.

2. Balance exercises build leg muscles and help prevent falls. According to the NIH, U.S. hospitals have 300,000 admissions for broken hips each year, many of them seniors, and falling is often the cause of those fractures.

3. Stretching exercises can give you more freedom of movement, which will allow you to be more active during your senior years. Keep in mind that stretching exercises alone will not improve your endurance or strength.

4. Endurance exercises are any activity-walking, jogging, swimming, biking, even raking leaves-that increases your heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time. Build up your endurance gradually, starting with as little as five minutes of endurance activities at a time.

At 90, Ken Hammond still regularly attends morning exercise classes at his home, The Academy, four days a week. "I do it for health reasons, of course. We do cardio and stretching which helps because I don't want to become ineffective in my old age," said Hammond.

The best part about working out at The Academy is the aftermath. Not only do residents feel rejuvenated and fit thanks to their healthy lifestyle but they are free to indulge in soothing massages and foot reflexology treatment thanks to the unique services The Academy offers. Remember, it is never too late to start exercising so begin today and get fit for life.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

The Bawmann Group

Denver , CO

The Bawmann Group has posted 178 stories and 0 comments since joining on 10/31/2006. The Bawmann Group's average story rating is 4.57.

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