Hello Everybody,
A walking exercise program will do a lot to maintain muscle tone in Seniors. But if they find they are unable to keep up regular walking exercise there is likely to be some muscle wastage.
It is of course not unusual for older people to have reduced activity compared with when they were younger. As a result they can lose muscle tone and develop significant atrophy. Even minor muscle atrophy can bring about some loss of mobility and strength. Fortunately this is reversible with exercise.
Together with a walking program it is a good idea to consider weight training. This may sound a little drastic, but mild training using light weights can build upper body strength. It is also an effective weapon against diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease.
Research has been carried out into muscle wastage both at the University of California and the University of Copenhagen. It has been found that an enzyme which acts as a catalyst to repair and maintain muscles is lower in older people.
If the concentration of the mitogen-activated protein kinas is increased in Seniors it is thought that the old muscles can be restored to their former efficiency. This research, which was reported in EMBO Molecular Medicine, may lead to treatments strengthening ageing bodies or fighting off degenerative illnesses.
As ever there is no time scale for all this. Researchers have a habit of announcing breakthroughs at an early stage in order to generate interest and get more funding for their projects. Fair enough, but we should not think that strong muscles on sedentary older people are just around the corner. They are not; for the moment just carry on with your fitness exercise program if you are able. It is enjoyable and does you a lot of good, so it is well worth the effort.
The bottom line is that as you get older you need exercise and it is possible to keep fit without major effort. A little goes a long way and the fitter you are the better your chances of avoiding some of the infirmities which old age brings.
See you soon,
Peter Stockwell
2 October 2009
Photo. Freefoto
Add A Comment