By Laura Quaglio
As NASM Senior Fitness Specialists well know, older adults are a growing segment of the population—and a rewarding group to work with. Check out these amazing perks that your senior clients can enjoy, thanks to your work.
A CLEARER MIND ALL DAY LONG
A 2019 Australian study found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking—along with light walking to break up subsequent seated activities—improves working memory and executive function throughout the day (doi:10.1136/bjsports-2018-100168).
PROTECTION AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S
In a group of 182 adults in the Harvard Aging Brain Study, those with higher levels of physical activity showed slower cognitive decline and slower loss of gray-matter volume (doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.1879).
PREVENTION OF POST-SURGERY DELIRIUM
Up to 61% of older adults experience delirium after orthopedic surgery. In a study of 132 patients, those who typically engaged in regular exercise (walking, physical therapy, weightlifting, cycling, stretching, participation in noncompetitive sports and dancing) before this type of surgery were 74% less likely to experience delirium afterward.
Learn more about the NASM Senior Fitness Specialization.