Silver&Fit Offers Older Americans Tips for Staying Fit and Active This Summer

• Press Release
• Source: American Specialty Health
• On 6:00 am EDT, Tuesday June 23, 2009

SAN DIEGO, June 23, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today's older Americans are transforming the way the world views aging adults. The image of grandma rocking her golden years away on the front porch has been retired. Today's older adults are more likely to be out golfing, walking, swimming, biking, and skiing.

Americans are living longer so it is important that older adults preserve their good health well into their 80's, 90's and, yes, their 100's. In 2005, there were an estimated 67,473 centenarians (people 100 or older) in America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but that number is expected to increase to 580,605 by 2040! Good health in those ever-expanding golden years will be more important than ever.

"Older adults can do a lot to preserve their quality of life into their golden years by engaging in active, healthy living today," said Dr. Douglas Metz, chief health services officer for American Specialty Health (ASH), a health and wellness company that provides the Silver&Fit(r) healthy aging program. Silver&Fit offers seniors unique fitness, nutrition, and health education classes and events.

"Exercise has been shown to have many benefits for aging adults, including the prevention of cognitive decline and memory loss," Metz continued. According to a study from the University of North Carolina (UNC) - Chapel Hill, for instance, aerobic exercise may prevent age-related changes in the small blood vessels of the brain. This can help maintain better blood flow within the brain. Better blood flow keeps the mind from aging as quickly.

"It's never too late for seniors to challenge themselves to set new fitness goals, and summer is a great time to start," added Dr, Metz. "Even if you are already active, setting new goals helps to maintain your interest in fitness, challenge your mind and body in new ways, and can even help you meet new friends."

Set Summer Fitness Goals to Help You Live a Healthier Life

Here are some fitness challenges that can help you have a healthier life in later years:

 1) Engage in Cardio Exercises for Endurance

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, older adults need
    two hours and 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise
    (such as brisk walking) per week, or one hour and 15 minutes of
    vigorous aerobic activity (like jogging or running) each week,
    coupled with strength training. Many studies show that endurance
    exercise benefits the heart, enhances cardiovascular health, and
    reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

 2) Add Strength Training to Your Routine

    Research shows that weight training exercises not only firm up
    and strengthen those sagging muscles, but also increase your
    balance, coordination, and mobility, and reduce signs and
    symptoms of many chronic diseases.

 3) Stay Balanced

    Balance issues affect many older Americans and can cause
    accidents and injuries. Tai chi has been found to be beneficial
    in helping to regain or preserve balance. Yoga and Pilates can
    also help you strengthen the core muscles of the abdomen and
    back, which can enhance overall balance. Many older adults are
    enjoying the Wii Fit program that includes a balance board and
    balance exercises.

 4) Limber Up

    One of the best ways to keep your body feeling young is to stay
    flexible. If you can no longer bend in ways you could before, you
    may want to get involved in an activity that can help you limber
    up. A few such programs include yoga and Pilates. You can also
    stretch after your workouts when you are warmed up. Find a
    beginning class or a class tailored for older adults, such as
    Silver&Fit.

 5) Increase the Fun Quotient in Your Life Through Group Activities

    Exercise shouldn't be a bore. The less fun you're having, the
    less likely you are to keep up your exercise regimen. Spice it up
    with group activities such as dancing, skiing, bowling, golf, or
    tennis. If you are unable to participate in high-energy
    activities, then join a walking group, a swim class, or a senior
    fitness class at a local gym.

About Silver&Fit

Silver&Fit is an exercise and healthy aging program, providing unique evidence-based fitness and health education activities for Medicare beneficiaries and group retirees. Some memberships may also include access to a variety of online healthy aging classes, exercise center classes, and a variety of fun social events. Standard Silver&Fit membership includes a fitness membership, as well as Internet tools, newsletters, and other services. Members who prefer to exercise in the comfort of their own home may choose a home fitness program, in lieu of a fitness club membership, which may include exercise, walking, aqua aerobics, Pilates, yoga, tai chi, or stress management kits.

About American Specialty Health

American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is a national health and wellness company that provides population health management programs including wellness and prevention, specialty network management programs, and fitness and exercise services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. Based in San Diego, ASH has 700 employees and covers over 15 million members.

For more information about ASH health and wellness programs, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.

American Specialty Health
Debby Clark
619.578.2000
debbyc@ashn.com
Tim Curns
800.848.3555
timc@ashn.com