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• Inactivity has been defined as less than
30 minutes of moderate physical activity
on all or most days of the week.
• Sedentary behavior is a risk factor for coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer,
and diabetes.
• One in four U. S. adults currently engages in a sedentary lifestyle with
no leisure time activities.
• According to the 1996
Surgeon General’s Report,
over one third of adults between 65-74 are inactive; this number rises to over
50% for
women over 75. |
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• A neighborhood-based walking program
for elderly residents improved quality of life and increased
regular physical activity among neighborhoods.
• ORI
scientists have developed a modified form of Tai Chi containing
only 8 forms (or postures) and have
successfully tested its effectiveness with older adults.
• The use of low impact exercise such
as Tai Chi has been effective in improving physical function, sleep
quality, balance, and risk of falling among older adults.
• An alternative cobble-stone mat walking activity has shown preliminary
effectiveness in improving health related quality of life among older adults.
More
information on ORI’s work with adults and physical activity
and our currently funded research in this area
Search
for related publications in ORI's database
Publication search page with JAVA
Publication
search page without JAVA
For more resources:
American
College of Sports Medicine
The President's Challenge
American Council on Exercise
Shape Up America! |
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Research shows that exercise can improve physical and mental well-being
for people of all ages. If you’re not currently physically active,
how can you get out and get moving?
• Start small: take a 5 or 10 minute walk once
a day;
• Find physical activities that you enjoy doing;
• Exercise with a buddy, like a family member, friend, or neighbor;
• Be your own transportation. Try doing errands on foot or by bicycle;
• Take extra steps throughout the day – use the stairs, return the
cart at the grocery store, or park farther from your destination.
• Make a plan to be more physically active and start today!
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