news&views Autumn 2018 | Page 6

Executive Director’s Report Daniel Mulloy | CEO and Executive Director, ARTA The Danger of a Sedentary Lifestyle Inactivity is a silent danger for many people, but it can become an even larger problem as people age. Seniors who fail to incorporate physical activity into their lives are not only missing out on health benefi ts, but they may actually be putting their health in danger. With physical activity having been identifi ed as the single most important factor that enables seniors to maintain their independence, living a sedentary lifestyle puts many older Canadians at risk. The fallout from physical inactivity hits our pocketbooks, too: a report from Queen’s University suggests physical inactivity is costing Canada’s health care system billions of dollars a year. Study author Ian Janssen says direct and indirect costs related to physical inactivity reached approximately $6.8 billion in 2009, or about 3.7 per cent of all health care costs. Janssen says lack of physical activity can cost the system as much or more than smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. From keeping joints mobile to improving overall mood, seniors may especially benefi t from exercise and making a point to keep moving every day. Some seniors fi nd this to be challenging as age-related issues and health conditions make it hard to stay active. Following are just a few ways that a sedentary lifestyle can be incredibly dangerous for a senior: • Higher Chance for Depression — The mood-improving eff ects of physical activity and exercise have been proven to occur in people of all ages, which means that it may be even more important for seniors who are prone to 6 | arta.net “ The human body is not designed to be sedentary.” — STEVEN MAGEE depression or are experiencing memory issues to stay active. • More Diffi culty With Activities of Daily Living (ADL) — The body begins to lose lean muscle mass when it is not getting enough regular physical activity, which can lead to even more diffi culty performing ADLs. Dressing, bathing, and eating are just a few examples of ADLs that could be impacted by a sedentary lifestyle. • More Rapid Bone Loss — Older adults are at a much higher risk of experiencing bone loss. When they also live a very sedentary lifestyle, even more bone loss may occur or occur more rapidly. Maintaining an active lifestyle cannot only improve overall strength, it can also encourage bones to stay strong and healthy. • Greater Risk of Type 2 Diabetes — The human body does not process sugar properly when muscles are not used after eating. This kind of inactivity raises blood glucose levels that can then lead to type 2 diabetes. For all seniors, physical activity is an important part of a fall-prevention strategy. Exercise programs that promote balance training combined with strength and fl exibility have been shown to be eff ective in signifi cantly reducing falls and the injuries resulting from falls. One of the myths about activity and aging is that people feel that they are too old to start exercising.