For Seniors, Walking Can Be Medicine

WASHINGTON — It’s not too late to get moving: Simple physical activity — mostly walking — helped high-risk seniors stay mobile after disability-inducing ailments even if, at 70 and beyond, they’d long been couch potatoes. One health policy specialist said a study released Monday suggests prescribing exercise may be just as important as prescribing medications. “Once you lose that mobility piece of your life, then you really lose independence,” said Patricia Katz of the University of California, San Francisco, who wasn’t part of the new research but said physicians need to put the findings to use. Katz called it striking that among the walkers, “if you start to have problems, you have a greater ability to recover and get your functioning back.” Older adults often shift back and forth between independence and conditions that can be disabling at least temporarily — a broken bone, an operation or a hospitalization from illness that requires time and rehab if they’re to get back on their feet. Monday’s research examined whether regular physical activity could help even the oldest seniors stay mobile for longer despite other health conditions. The study enrolled more than 1,600 adults between the ages of 70 and 89 considered at high risk for disability because they were sedentary and had various chronic health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Sections:  u.s.   
Topics:  Washington   Clark County   Vancouver   
RELATED ARTICLES
  • New building for Pacific Northwest National Lab campus
    RICHLAND — The federal government’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will build a new $90 million energy sciences research building on its Richland campus. A contract to design and construct the building has been awarded to a Houston-based team of Harvey Cleary Builders and Kirksey Architecture. The Tri-City Herald says the facility will cover 110,000 to 145,000 square feet. More
  • ‘Scumbag’ comment gets juror removed in Pasco double-murder trial. Judge says it’s not her fault
    PASCO, Wa. — A relative of a Pasco homicide victim, who phoned a juror last week, admitted calling the accused killer a “scumbag” during the brief telephone conversation. The relative was tracked down and interviewed by a defense investigator on Friday after the juror in Hector Orozco Jr.’s double-murder trial told court officials about the phone call. On Tuesday, attorney Daniel Stovern renewed his claim of jury tampering based on the conversation between “Juror No. More
  • New trial starts for 2 charged in homeless camp killing
    SEATTLE — A new trial has started for brothers accused of fatally shooting two people and wounding three others at the Seattle homeless encampment known as the Jungle. The Seattle Times reports James and Jerome Taafulisia are being tried for again on murder and assault charges in connection with the Jan. More
  • Woman sues Home Depot for $1.5M after termination
    BEND, Ore. — A Bend Paralympic athlete is suing Home Depot for $1.5 million, claiming the company did not consider her disability when it fired her in 2017. The Bulletin reports in a complaint filed Tuesday in Deschutes County Circuit Court, Barbara Buchan claims that after suffering a concussion in a fall at work, management fired her for keeping $11 worth of presentation materials in her vehicle overnight. More
  • 1 dead in Burien fire
    BURIEN — A woman was found dead and a second was injured as fire burned an apartment building in Burien. KOMO reports that firefighters arrived at the Forest View Apartments around 6 p.m. Tuesday to find flames burning on at least three floors. About two dozen people from seven affected apartments are receiving assistance from the Red Cross. More
BING NEWS:
  • Forget running — this 25-minute walking workout will boost your metabolism and improve your core strength
    Whether you’re looking for a quick, simple workout to get moving the holiday celebrations, or you need a break from the noise and chaos of big family gatherings, this routine has you covered. In just ...
    12/24/2024 - 11:31 pm | View Link
  • Forget the treadmill — boost your metabolism and clock 3,000 steps in 20 minutes with this indoor walking workout
    The professional dancer turned personal trainer’s workout will help you rack up around 3,000 steps in 20 minutes. So while this might be a walking workout, it’s no walk in the park. “It's a ...
    12/22/2024 - 6:15 pm | View Link
  • Walking to Slim Down and Tone Your Legs: How Long Until You See Real Results?
    Discover how walking 30 to 60 minutes a day can help you lose weight, tone your legs, and boost your cardiovascular health.
    12/20/2024 - 10:52 pm | View Link
  • These Are the Best Walking Apps to Track Your Steps and Fitness Progress
    These tracking apps provide lots of data feedback so you can make the most of your walking workouts and boost your fitness without a fancy device.
    12/20/2024 - 5:44 am | View Link
  • What to Know About Walking Pneumonia
    Walking pneumonia differs from other respiratory infections like flu or cold because it quickly settles in the chest and can leave people feeling short of breath. With walking pneumonia, any ...
    12/20/2024 - 4:39 am | View Link
  • More

 

Welcome to Wopular!

Welcome to Wopular

Wopular is an online newspaper rack, giving you a summary view of the top headlines from the top news sites.

Senh Duong (Founder)
Wopular, MWB, RottenTomatoes

Subscribe to Wopular's RSS Fan Wopular on Facebook Follow Wopular on Twitter Follow Wopular on Google Plus

MoviesWithButter : Our Sister Site

More U.s. News