Exercise is widely recognized as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Despite this, a recent analysis of data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey found that more than two-thirds of people don’t get enough exercise. The survey was conducted during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the overall numbers may be slightly lower than if the data were collected in a more typical year. Only 28% of respondents met physical activity guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Regular exercise is beneficial for all ages, and seniors are no exception. Older adults who want to be more physically active but consider themselves among the 72% of people who don’t meet CDC exercise guidelines will have a smoother transition to a sedentary lifestyle. As you proceed, you can consult your doctor and ask him the following three questions.
1. Should I have a heart test?
Doctors may already be monitoring older adults’ hearts, even if they have not had symptoms of heart disease in the past. However, before starting a new fitness plan, it’s best to discuss your heart health in detail. In an interview with Penn Medicine, Neil Chokshi, MD, MBA, medical director of the Penn Sports Cardiology and Fitness Program, said that once you start participating in moderate or intense activity, you may be at risk for a heart attack or heart complications. said there was a slight increase in the risk of disease. Therefore, doctors may want to perform heart tests to determine whether a patient has an underlying heart condition.
2. What types of activities should I focus on?
Doctors may also recommend certain activities depending on a person’s age and medical background. While exercise is beneficial for everyone, certain activities may not be. For example, AdventHealth notes that high-impact exercises like jogging or jumping rope may not be suitable for people with arthritis. Additionally, the ability to exercise should not be underestimated in older adults with physical limitations that require the use of a wheelchair. Doctors can also recommend exercise for patients who have mobility problems.
3. Do I need to be especially careful while taking the medicine?
Prescription medication use is also a variable that should be considered before starting a new exercise regimen. The CDC notes that approximately 84 percent of adults between the ages of 60 and 79 use one or more prescription drugs. Each drug produces different effects, and a 2016 study published in the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal found that certain medications can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, which can cause you to lose balance and increase your risk of falls. On the other hand, they point out that other drugs actually promote significant improvements in health.
This emphasizes the importance of always consulting your doctor before starting or adjusting your fitness regimen or prescribing new medications, as the relationship between medication and exercise is unique to each medication. Masu.
These are just three of the questions older adults are asked when talking to their doctor about exercise. Seniors are encouraged to ask any additional questions they have during such discussions.