The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: ### Staying Active in Later Years: Expert Tips Beyond the Gym As people age, maintaining physical activity becomes crucial for health, but traditional exercise isn't always feasible or enjoyable. Three medical experts highlight practical ways to incorporate movement through everyday non-exercise physical activity (NEPA), such as housework and gardening, to support vitality and delay disability.[1][4] **Non-Exercise Physical Activity (NEPA) Offers Real Benefits** NEPA includes routine tasks like cleaning, gardening, and mowing the lawn, which aren't structured workouts but still boost health. These activities help older adults reduce risks of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart issues while improving physical function, especially since many seniors struggle to meet the WHO's 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity weekly.[1] **Why Traditional Exercise Falls Short for Many Seniors** Global data shows high inactivity rates among older adults—higher than in younger groups—due to barriers like limited time, fear of falling, pain, cost, and lack of enjoyment. Only a small percentage meet recommended levels, making NEPA a more accessible alternative that integrates into daily life.[2][5] **CDC Guidelines: A Foundation for Daily Movement** For adults 65 and older, the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly (like brisk walking), plus two days of muscle-strengthening and balance exercises such as heel-to-toe walking or standing from sitting. NEPA can fulfill much of this through natural routines.[3] **Build Habits with Behavioral Strategies** Experts advocate multicomponent approaches: set personalized goals, use action planning, boost self-efficacy, and leverage social support to overcome obstacles. Programs like reframing negative views on aging or addressing fall fears, as in the Matter of Balance initiative, show short-term gains in mobility and confidence, with boosters for long-term success.[2] **Leisure and Routine Tasks Promote Active Aging** Housework and leisure pursuits enhance well-being, cognitive function, and delay activities of daily living (ADL) disability. Longitudinal studies confirm NEPA participation lowers disability risk, even if ADL doesn't always predict NEPA levels, emphasizing its role for those under 80 with milder limitations.[1] **Personalize for Lasting Change** Tailor activities to interests—pair movement with social contacts or work routines—for sustainable results. This low-cost method improves physical health, psychological well-being, and cognitive abilities, particularly for vulnerable groups, proving even modest increases matter.[2][4] **Start Small, Stay Consistent** Incorporate NEPA daily to counter inactivity's risks like chronic disease. Consult experts for personalization, turning ordinary chores into powerful health allies for vibrant later years.[1][3][5] Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9