Submitted by: Val Corton, Community Life Coordinator, Woodstone-Rice Lake
Regular exercise can help keep seniors become healthier and more independent as they age. Studies have shown that seniors who exercise regularly have longer life expediencies, remain independent longer, and improve both physically and psychologically. Balance decreases as we age, and more importantly, falling is a major problem. According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of every three Americans over the age of 65 falls each year, and among individuals 65-84, falls account for 87% of all fractures and are the second leading cause of spinal cord and brain injuries.
Many seniors believe that walking is enough exercise to stay fit and healthy. But, according to Dr. Robert Sweezy, renowned osteoporosis expert, walking is not enough to increase muscle and bone density – a key component in remaining independent.
The Live 2 B Healthy® program is proven to increase balance, mobility and strength – directly reducing falls and injuries that could hamper senior mobility and hasten health decline. That keeps seniors vital and independent for much longer.
It is never too late to start an exercise regimen. Many seniors in their eighties and nineties, who have never exercised in their lives, now participate in Live 2 B Healthy® programs. In fitness tests, after working with participants for three months, balance had improved by over 250% and cardiovascular function by over 80% by doing regular strength training, three times per week. Regular exercise keeps seniors independent by improving their balance and endurance to prevent falls, injuries, as well as physical and cognitive decline.
Woodstone Senior Living Community offers the Live 2 B Healthy program for all of our residents, FREE of charge, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:30am – 11:15am.
It’s just one of the benefits of living at Woodstone Senior Living Community in Rice Lake!