Senior Adults + Weight Training = Success in Improving Diabetes, Depression, and Sleep
Some of the Biggest Rewards of Weight Training are Especially Beneficial for Senior Adults
Improved Control of Diabetes
More than 14 million Americans have type II diabetes�a staggering
three-hundred percent increase over the past forty years�and the numbers are
steadily climbing. In addition to being at greater risk for heart and renal
disease, diabetes is also the leading cause of blindness in senior adults.
Fortunately, studies now show that lifestyle changes such as weight training
have a profound impact on helping senior adults manage their diabetes. In a
recent study of Hispanic men and women, 16 weeks of weight training produced
dramatic improvements in glucose control that are comparable to taking diabetes
medication. Additionally, the study volunteers were stronger, gained muscle,
lost body fat, had less depression, and felt much more self-confident.
Healthy State of Mind
Weight training provides
similar improvements in depression as anti-depressant medications. Currently, it
is not known if this is because people feel better when they are stronger or if
weight training produces a helpful biochemical change in the brain. It is most
likely a combination of the two. When senior adults participate in weight
training programs, their self-confidence and self-esteem improve, which has a
strong impact on their overall quality of life.
Sleep Improvement
People who exercise regularly enjoy improved sleep quality. They fall asleep
more quickly, sleep more deeply, awaken less often, and sleep longer. As with
depression, the sleep benefits obtained as a result of weight training are
comparable to treatment with medication but without the side effects or the
expense.
Next: What Other Research Has Been Done on the Health Effects of Weight Training on Senior Adults?
Previous: Weight Training Successfully Addresses Issues That Seniors Face: The Loss of Bone Density and Balance
Adapted from: Growing Stronger - Strength Training for Older Adults: Why Strength Training?
(http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/growing_stronger/why.htm)
 |
| |
Congaplex - 150 Capsules - Standard Process |
A powerful immune support product that helps support healthly function of the upper respiritory tract.
Read more...
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
