Health & FITNESS
Are you
AGEING
Successfully?
BUILD A BETTER BODY AT ANY AGE By Lorna Jackson, Acupuncturist, Fascia & Bodyworker, Health Point Clinic
By 2036 a third of Islanders will be over 65-years-old, and the number of over-80s will have doubled. However, people have been brainwashed to think that after 65, you’re pretty much written off.
“40% of the 60+ population take five or more medicines a day.”
W
e are told old age is a continuous state of decline, and that we should stop working, slow down and accept our lot. But how about looking at things in a different way? Our ageing population is one of the most remarkable success stories of the human race in modern history. There will soon be more people over 60 than children under 15. Natural, healthy ageing is unseen; the wonder of ageing is often overridden by the false assumption that disease is a natural consequence of ageing. In fact, it’s inactivity that’s a major cause of death. So how did this happen? Our bodies have rapidly changed. Our height has increased by four inches over the last hundred years; our girth has also drastically increased alongside. World obesity has doubled since 1980, with 12% of the world population now classed as obese. In America this is a staggering 26%. Obesity can cause diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Already 10% of the world’s population suffers from diabetes, so a world pandemic is already a reality.
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It is medically proven that people who maintain a regular physical activity regime have up to:
By 2030 it is estimated that 50% of the U.S. population will be obese. The aged are now over nourished, over medicated and physically and mentally inactive. Incredibly, 40% of the 60+ population take five or more medicines a day. Research shows that physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress. If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most costeffective drugs ever invented!
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35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes 50% lower risk of colon cancer 20% lower risk of breast cancer 30% lower risk of early death 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis 68% lower risk of hip fracture 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults) 30% lower risk of depression 30% lower risk of dementia (Source: NHS)