The 85 and older age group is the fastest growing segment of the population today. It is projected that by the year 2030 the baby boom generation will come of "old" age to the tune of approximately 65 million people, double the current over-age-60 population. This proposed dramatic increase is based on the assumption that current medical technology remains the same. Any new lifesaving advances that extend life expectancy would increase the projections of the population for the future. As we move into the 21st century the needs of the older adult population and the effect of this segment on the general population will have to be addressed. Over one third of health care expenditures today are directed at older adults. Taking into account inflation and technology, this amount will more than double in thirty years. The future tendency toward fewer wage earners paying into the system compared to the increased numbers of recipients of health care benefits, most likely will lead to increased numbers of people staying in the work force longer. Issues of health promotion and illness prevention need to be the focus of health care now to be ready for the future. Therefore, if more people are living, working, and playing longer, then the need to promote healthy aging is vital. Education is the key to overcoming the myths of aging that perpetuate our fears of growing older. The next three units explore the issues that can make a difference in the length and quality of one's life, no matter the state of health or illness.
Select from the following set of readings for this module. As our society has become mechanized, so our people have become sedentary. The comfort of modern technology has eased our workload, transports us from place to place, and even brings entertainment and socialization into our homes. We can accomplish most tasks without raising our heartbeats. Even our energy needs have been addressed through easily accessed places providing "fast food". Through research we have found that a sedentary lifestyle has detrimental effects upon our health throughout life. Getting older tends to lead to decreased activity levels because of the exit from traditional social roles related to parenting and careers. Lessened physical exertion as we age affects the body in ways that are usually attributed to aging, such as weakness and stiff joints. This added impact of aging on a technology minded, mechanized culture can have a detrimental effect on issues of health, wellness, health care, and health care expenditures. Even in acute or chronic illness the issue of activity must be addressed. Inactivity or immobility affects every body system (see Table 4.1 in F & F text, p. 95). The hazards of being inactive or immobile even for short periods can cause painful and debilitating physical problems, complicating the original issue of illness. Therefore, as we age, physical activity must be maintained to keep us healthy and happy. We need aerobic exercise to maintain cardiovascular health and our endurance for activity. Activity involving weight bearing and lifting helps to maintain and even increase the strength and integrity of our muscles and bones. Physical activity also helps to maintain mental health. Natural chemicals called endorphins released during exercise and the social interaction that occurs during activity have been shown to allay pain and depression. Social interaction with activity remedies the isolation from human companionship that can occur as we age and loose family, friends, and those roles that by nature include social interaction. SECTION 2: EXERCISEExercise is now considered the physical activity that may help in the prevention of illness and maintain function in the midst of tissues destroyed by illness (see articles in F & F text, pages 92, 104). It may even assist in the process of healing from many forms of illness. Some of those problems include heart disease, respiratory disease, hypertension, adult-onset diabetes, osteoporosis, back pain, depression and anxiety, and cancer. There are many types and levels of exercise to meet the needs of elders seeking exercise activity. Healthy individuals participating in some form of exercise activity throughout life may seek a more vigorous form of exercise than persons living a sedentary lifestyle and coping with a chronic illness. People also seek participation in exercise for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons include health, fitness, the sport, competition, and socialization. Aerobic exercise increases oxygen supply to the body and builds endurance for physical activity. Lifting weights tones muscles for strength. Sports such as golf, tennis, and skiing have various levels of physical and mental health benefits. Tai Chi, QiGong, and Yoga are exercises of Eastern rather than Western origin. These are gentle on body joints and yet help achieve physical and mental health. All these exercises can be tailored for physical limitations. For example, a 94 year old in a wheel chair can maintain upper arm strength and range of motion by weightlifting two cans of string beans.
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