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=Elderly Fun = ="Do it for the health of it!" =

Age shouldn’t matter when it comes to fun, elderly people can still have fun too! Everyone needs some form of exercise to maintain a healthy life, including the elderly. __They should also keep themselves engaged in some kind of activities, which would keep them both physically and mentally fit__ (1). Elderly people can still do a lot of activities, sewing, golf, arts and crafts, croquet, card games, board games, fishing, etc. It has been said that when Elderly people do more exercise and activities, they have been shown to promote good health. It has also been proven that keeping senior citizens active, it puts them in a good state of mind and reduces depression. __In Fact, as of February 2002, three-fourths of older Americans did not exercise at recommended levels, according to American Family Physician__ (2). Most elderly people do not get enough or any exercise at all because they are either limited on their mobility or just think their too old. By exercising a person is only benefiting them self, a persons chance of a disease like breast cancer is reduced when they have exercise in their daily life.

There are plenty of places and programs that provide some form of recreation for elderly people, like the website www.ehowhealth.com which would give information on why it is good for them to exercise, it gives them recommendations, and facts on fitness. This website also tells the person reading, the importance of the elderly getting some form of exercise.

Another website that has entertainment value and exercise for the elderly is http://www.elderlyaffairs.com/BrowseLibrary/HonoluluArticleDetail/tabid/401/CBModuleId/2466/ArticleID/25/Default.aspx. Also known as the Aging and Disability Resource Center is another great place for elderly people to gather and have fun. At this resource center a person does not have to be a member to come and join the rest of the other senior citizens having fun. This center provides lost of fun entertainment for the elderly and at the same time exercise! There is swimming, dancing, sewing, and activities with movement.

__In fact, studies show older people who maintain active lifestyles that include exercise experience few health problems as they age__ (3). Aging effects a persons body a lot more then most may recognize. When a person ages they become more fragile, and can get hurt more easily. By getting exercise you as a person and your body feel good. Having a good amount of exercise can also improve moods.

Some researchers on relation between exercise and body human health results indicate that in addition to increasing muscle capacity, physical activity can help improve strength, balance, and joint mobility. __Flexibility, agility, the speed with which one walks and physical coordination as a whole__ (4). Being mobile is one of the most import things because basically anything a person does is mobile like walking, riding a bike, and swimming. If a person lost their mobility they would have a hard time getting around, that is why having exercise is important so that way a person can keep their mind and body feeling young and mobile.

__About 35% of fall injuries occur among residents who cannot wall__ (5). The other 65% who can walk still have the same chance of falling as any of them do, but if all the elderly people got some form of exercise, mobile or not, they could better their health and reduce their risks.

(1) http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/activities-for-elderly-3040.html (2) http://www.ehow.com/facts_7159128_elderly-physical-fitness.html (3) http://www.elderlyaffairs.com/BrowseLibrary/HonoluluArticleDetail/tabid/401/CBModuleId/2466/ArticleID/25/Default.aspx (4) http://www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/exercise/aging-exercise-what-you-need-know-stay-fit (5) http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/nursing.htm