May 2005

Older Adults

Physical Activity

….it’s never too late to start!

Statistics and Benefits

May 2005

Older Adults defined:

The older adult physical activity guide for healthy living defines an older adult as anyone over the age of 55

May 2005

Projected Canadian population Ages 50+

2006-2026

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90+

age range

pro

po

rtio

n o

f 5

0+

po

pu

latio

n

2006

2016

2026

Our aging population:

May 2005

Projected Canadian Population 2006

<1417%

15-2919%

30-3914%

40-4917%

50-5914%

60-699%

70+10%

50+32%

May 2005

<1415%

15-2919%

30-3914%

40-4914%

50-5915%

60-6912%

70+11%

50+38%

Projected Canadian Population 2016

May 2005

<1414%

15-2916%

30-3914%

40-4914%

50-5913%

60-6914%

70+15%

50+41%

Projected Canadian Population 2026

May 2005

Population Projection – ages 50+•Overall, the 50+ age group will increase from 32% to 41% of the total Canadian population by 2026, with the largest increase happening in the 70+ age group

•There will be a decrease in the proportion of the 50-59 age group, but an increase in the 60-69 and 70-79 age groups. More people will be living longer.

May 2005

Physical activity in older adultsData from Statistics Canada (2001)

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

females males females males females males

Physically active Moderately active Physically inactive

% o

f 50

+ p

opul

atio

n

55-64 years

65-74 years

75 years and over

Trends in PA and older adults•As age increases, trend is to become less active

•The majority of older adults are inactive

•In adults under 75, males and females are active in similar proportions

•Females >75 years of age are much less active than males in this age range

Physical activity for older adults builds:

•Cardiovascular Capacity

•Strength

•Flexibility and Ability to Stretch

•Balance

May 2005

Benefits increase as physical activity

increases.

Benefits when starting out:

•Meet new people •Feel more relaxed •Sleep better•Have more fun

May 2005

Benefits from regular physical activity:

•Better physical and mental health

•Continued independent living

•Improved quality of life

•More energy

May 2005

Benefits cont’d:

• Move with fewer aches and pains • Better posture and balance • Improved self-esteem • Weight maintenance • Stronger muscles and bones • Relaxation and reduced stress

May 2005

Depression

Premature death

Osteoporosis

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Obesity

Stroke

Falls and injuries

Heart disease

Colon cancer

PA = risk

Scientists have proven that physical activity results in a reduced risk of:

May 2005

Older Adults Physical Activity

….it’s never too late to start!

Roadblocks

May 2005

I don't have time.

May 2005

Exercise causes pain.

May 2005

Exercise is

boring.

May 2005

Exercise is too tiring.

May 2005

I am too old to

exercise.

May 2005

I am too fat to

exercise.

May 2005

There is no place

to exercise.

May 2005

I don't see any reason to

exercise; I don't want to live forever!

May 2005

I am afraid of falling.

May 2005

I am afraid of getting hurt.

May 2005

Older Adults

Physical Activity ….it’s never too late to start!

Resource List

May 2005

Organizations for older adults and physical activity:

Canadian Centre for Activity & Aging

To develop, encourage and promote an active, healthy lifestyle for Canadian adults that will enhance the dignity of the aging process.

www.uwo.ca/actage/

May 2005

Active Living Coalition for Older Adults

The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) strives to promote a society where all older Canadians are leading active lifestyles that contribute to their overall well-being.

www.alcoa.ca

May 2005

Sages Falls Prevention Program Video & Manual

A 50-minute exercise video focusing on strength, balance and flexibility. Includes a facilitator's manual to help start or lead a falls prevention group. Available for loan or purchase.1.800.461.0327

sages@community-care.on.ca

May 2005

International Council on Active Aging The ICAA connects a community of like-minded professionals who share the goals of changing society's perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for aging baby boomers and older adults within the six dimensions of wellness. The council supports these professionals with education, information, resources and tools, so they can achieve optimal success. www.icaa.cc

May 2005

Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on AgingThe American National Institute on Aging has produced a guide for people taking their first steps towards an active lifestyle. This guide will show you how to include exercise and proper nutrition to stay healthy as you age. The guide also offers useful tips on establishing and maintaining a regular exercise program. For more information, visit www.nia.nih.gov

May 2005

A free publication to communicate to the Senior population:

Division of Aging and Seniors, Public Health Agency of CanadaAddress locator: 1908A1Ottawa   ON    K1A 1B4

Tel.: 613-952-7606Fax: 613-957-7627E-mail: seniors@phac-aspc.gc.ca

May 2005

Certifications to work with older adults:

CAN FIT PRO – Senior course

Senior Instructor Course – CCAA

National Leadership Training Initiative Project - CCAA

International curriculum

May 2005

Available programs from the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging :

• Get Fit for Active Living • Home Support Exercise

Program

May 2005

Active Ageing: You Can Make a Difference

This video for physicians is available from the College of Family Physicians of Canada (www.cfpc.ca).  

May 2005

Growing Stronger

 This is a strength training program for older adults from Tufts university – Centre for Disease control

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/growing_stronger/

May 2005

Active Anytime Anywhere: Older Adult Resource Kit

This kit promotes active living for older adults by providing resources for older adults and for those who work with them. For more information or to order this resource, contact the Aids to Daily Living/Community Rehabilitation Program of the Capital Health Authority at 780-413-4976 or at ckalinsk@cha.ab.ca.

May 2005

Active Independent Aging - A Community Guide for Fall Prevention and Active Living

Active Independent Aging is designed to promote the health and independence of older adults and veterans through falls prevention, active living, and activity-friendly environments. Active Independent Aging provides materials to help leaders understand issues related to falls and physical activity among older adults.

For more information on promoting active living for older adults in safe environments, visit the Active Independent Aging web site at www.falls-chutes.com.

May 2005

ActiveAge Listserv

ActiveAge is sponsored by the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA). Subscribers to the ActiveAge listserv receive information about current Canadian resources and sources, program implementation, and research results related to active living for older adults.

ActiveAge is for health practitioners, recreation leaders, older adult associations, college/university faculty, staff, and students, government consultants and researchers, and leaders in the older adult community. Subscribe on-line at www.alcoa.ca/e/listserve.htm.

May 2005

Be Active. Eat Well

These guides contain facts about Type 2 diabetes and how to manage this condition with physical activity and good nutrition The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) developed the guides after a needs assessment and resource review identified gaps in information about older adults, diabetes, physical activity, and nutrition. Two types of guides are now available. One guide is meant for practitioners and organizations working with older adults and the second guide is for the older adult. The guides are available in both English and French. If you would like to order a hardcopy, please call 1-800-549-9799.

May 2005

Beat Winter Woes!

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association encourages Canadians to keep active through the winter months to help maintain their levels of fitness and mobility. Publication date: Oct 2004.www.physiotherapy.ca

May 2005

Bone Smart

The Osteoporosis Society of Canada has launched an exercise video for people with or at risk for osteoporosis. The Bone Smart video features exercises to maintain bone strength, improve posture and balance, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility. Bone Smart also includes tips on how to move safely and  avoid falls. You can order your copy of the Bone Smart video by contacting the Osteoporosis Society of Canada, Tel.: 1-800-463-6842, Web site: www.osteoporosis.ca (use the search function to find the resource).

May 2005

Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults

This guide carefully outlines how older Canadians should build 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity into their lives most days of the week as a prescriptive for ongoing health and independence. The Guide is based on years of collaborative research among international experts who discovered the beneficial effects of daily activity and its ability to slow down the aging process. Older adults who maintain an active lifestyle will enjoy better physical and mental health, better posture and balance, more energy, regular sleep patterns, and prolonged independent living in later years. Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living for Older Adults was developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and Health Canada, in partnership with the Active Living Coalition of Older Adults, a community-based group with an interest in healthy ageing. For more information on the Guide, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

May 2005

  Canadian Declaration on Active Living and Older Adults

The declaration is on a commemorative mini-poster outlining Canada’s older-adult active-living guiding principles. The Active Living Coalition for Older Adults (ALCOA) produced the declaration to acknowledge the International Year of Older Persons (1999) and to recognize the contribution of older adults to Canada and the importance of active living for human development. The declaration poster can be ordered free of charge at 1-888-334-9769.

May 2005

Continuing Education Home Study Programs

The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)--a seniors' fitness and wellness association--and Desert Southwest Fitness, Inc. (DSWFitness)--a provider of distance learning continuing education for health and fitness professionals--have developed three new home study programs. Instructed by industry leaders, the courses are designed specifically for people who work with older adults and/or those who have special medical conditions. To find out more about the ICAA continuing education program, call 866-335-9777 or visit www.icaa.cc.

May 2005

Curriculum Guidelines for Physical Activity Instructors of Older Adults

These guidelines outline the major content needed in any entry-level training program for physical activity instructors of older adults. Publication date: 2004.www.isapa.org (pdf, 16 pgs)

May 2005

Dare to Age Well!

The Division of Aging and Seniors (DAS) at Health Canada (HC) is the focal point for ageing and seniors' issues within Health Canada and the federal government. The DAS also provides research and operational support to the National Advisory Council on Aging. Materials on the Dare to Age Well! CD were produced and/or compiled by the Division of Aging and Seniors, Health Canada, to provide direct access to federal government publications and photos related to healthy ageing. To access the CD, visit  http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca.

May 2005

Fit to Really Live

Fit to Really Live is a training session for caregivers offered by the Institute for Positive Health for Seniors. For more information, visit www.inst-positive-health.ca.

May 2005

Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults

Growing Stronger is based on exercises that strengthen muscles, maintain the integrity of bones, and improve balance, coordination, and mobility.  In addition, strength training can help reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic diseases, including arthritis. This strength-training program was developed by Tufts University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov.

May 2005

Healthy Active Living for Older AdultsThis brochure discusses five important areas:

1. Healthy Choices: Take charge of your health by making informed choices about your physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.

2. Wise Use of Medications: Information and practical tips on the best use of medications.

3. Healthy Eating: How to improve your food choices and eating habits.

4. Physical Activity: The benefits of physical activity and how to be more active in a way that is right for you.

5. Stress Management: How to recognize and deal with stress in your life.

For more information and to download the resource, visit the Lifestyle Information Network web site at www.lin.ca/lin/resource/html/sp0144.pdf.

May 2005

Healthy Happy Aging

The Institute of Positive Health for Seniors produces Healthy Happy Aging/Veillir heureux et en santé. For more information, contact the Institute of Positive Health for Seniors

Tel.: 1-613-562-6314E-mail: active-lifestyle@insti-positive-health.ca

Web site: www.inst-positive-health.ca

May 2005

ICAA Checklist - Fitness Facilities

Although mature adults are joining health and wellness facilities faster than any other age group today, many facilities are not prepared or equipped to serve older members. The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), has created a checklist to help mature adults rate and compare their local fitness facilities and choose one that meets their needs. To download the complete checklist, visit the ICAA web site at www.icaa.cc/checklist.htm.

May 2005

Mature Adults Can Become Active

The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) has produced 30 tips for older adults to become and stay physically active. The ICAA is aware of the many considerations older adults face when beginning an active lifestyle. The 50-plus adult's physical capabilities and chronic diseases make this individual's needs different than those of a younger person. Too often people jump into exercise or try to do what they did 20 years ago, injuring themselves in the process. For more information, visit www.icaa.cc.

May 2005

National Institute on Aging (USA) 

Looking for other ideas to include in your active living lifestyle? Are you an older adult interested in starting an exercise program? The National Institute on Aging (USA) has developed a user-friendly web site that includes guidelines and support resources to help older adults initiate an exercise program.  Web site topics include the benefits of exercise; safety considerations; exercise guidelines; ways to chart your progress; and frequently asked questions.  Print and video resources are also available from this site.  If you are interested, please visit the National Institute of Aging web site at http://nihseniorhealth.gov.

May 2005

Using Physical Exercise to Enhance the Health of Adults 65+ Who Are Family Caregivers: Executive Summary

This report summarizes a survey that aimed to identify formal exercise programs for seniors (in which adults who are 65+ and who are caregivers may participate); unmet needs for such formal exercise programs; barriers that limit organizations' ability to offer such programs; sites that might test and evaluate model exercise programs.

www.cacc-acssc.com (pdf 12 pgs)

May 2005

Thank you !

Louise DawProvincial ConsultantPhysical Activity Resource Centre Louise@ophea.org 519.646.2121 www.ophea.net/parc