Butler R N, Davis R, Lewis C B, Nelson M E, Strauss E
Henry L. Schwartz Department of Geriatrics and Adult Development, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, USA.
Geriatrics. 1998 Sep;53(9):26-8, 31-2, 39-40.
Most older Americans are not physically fit and do not exercise regularly. This is especially true of older women, who are weaker than men and become disabled and dependent in the later years at a much greater rate. Exercise can increase the body's metabolism and make it more efficient in burning calories. Physical fitness also makes respiration more efficient. Evidence suggests strongly that the physically fit live 2 to 3 years longer and have a better quality of life than sedentary individuals. Any time is the best time for a person of any age to start exercising. Exercise is movement--dancing, walking, lifting a weight, using the body. Older individuals tend to be willing to exercise if they are given appropriate recommendations and follow-up.
大多数美国老年人身体不健康，也不经常锻炼。老年女性尤其如此，她们比男性身体更弱，在晚年残疾和依赖他人的比例要高得多。运动可以提高身体的新陈代谢，使其在燃烧卡路里方面更有效率。身体健康还能使呼吸更顺畅。有充分证据表明，身体健康的人比久坐不动的人寿命长2至3年，生活质量也更高。任何时候都是任何年龄段的人开始锻炼的最佳时机。运动就是活动——跳舞、散步、举重、活动身体。如果能得到适当的建议和后续跟进，老年人往往愿意锻炼。
