Most women will likely get osteoporosis which is a crippling bone disease that effects one in every three Canadian women over fifty years of age (Thompson, 1995). Bone itself is living tissue that weakens with age and this weakening occurs when the bones no longer can absorb calcium from the bloodstream. The bone then becomes very porous and brittle making them prone to fractures (Thompson, 1995). Exercise reduces mineral loss in older people and inactivity accelerates it. Exercise also strengthens bones. As the elderly continue to age they are also at risk to get lung disease because the lung tissue has lost so much elasticity and resilience, their general resistance is low. .
Activities for the aged and proper techniques .
Using muscles daily and exercising will help maintain a lot of bodily functions, especially strength. There are many activities the elderly can maintain a healthy life, some consist of lifting small objects, pushing a vacuum, a wheelchair, walking, cycling, climbing stairs, water exercise, golf etc. The best place to start to prevent premature degeneration of muscles and joints is stretching. Breathe deeply and moving every joint is very important. Flexibility is an important component because it helps prevent injury and many of the aches and pains associated with aging. It is important to maintain an attractive posture and efficient movement for daily life. A person should regularly do bends, twists, and extensions of the arms and legs slowly and rhythmically with a smooth firm motion. The individual should stretch as far as it is comfortable to do so to hold the stretch without bouncing for five to fifteen seconds. Correct breathing techniques will increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, keeping the chest muscles flexible and promotes relaxation. Some stretch exercises consist of shoulder releases where the individual shrugs his/her shoulders up toward the ears and rotate in one direction slowly making a few rotations (Stutz, 1994).
