Benefits of training for the mature population

Growing older getting mature is something that happens to us all. When we hit our 40s the aging process starts and when we hit the ripe old age of 50 the progressive losses in our musculoskeletal our neuromuscular and our cardio vascular systems start, this means that exercise adaptation will need to be considered. This is regardless of our appearance and highly trained individuals over 50 are only a small percentage of the population.

Growing older and the aging process is inevitable and a complex and individual process which we all go through at different paces and are characterised by declines in the functions of both our physiological and psychological systems. And this will have an impact on our fitness levels and our ability to exercise safety. Eventually all of these processes will lead to an increased frailty and a less responsive ability towards stress and illnesses. Which means that our risk of serios diseases is higher.

Our functional ability and status at any age will be determined not only be age but also the rate of our aging our health our gender our lifestyle and economic influences, and of course our physical activity levels. Our activity levels are also likely to decrease with increasing age.

The percentage of the population that will be reaching the minimum 150 mins per week will generally decrease with age, a 70-year-old is not likely to not be as active as a 20-year-old but that is an individual thing and some 20-year olds may not be as active as a 70-year-old.

Losses in the body’s systems from the age of 40 may result in 1-2 percent each in the physical capacity of the below.

· Muscular strength

· Power

· Bone density

· Aerobic endurance

· Balance and coordination

· Flexibility and agility

· Reduced motor learning and visual and aural perceptiveness

Summary

If we train as we get older or are still training as we get older, we lower the risk of slips trips and falls and if we do slip or fall the risk of serious injury is lower, less risk of fractures and breaks, if we are unfortunate to get a fracture or break then our recovery time will be shorter and the need for surgical intervention will also be lower.

We will have a lower risk of serious illnesses and if are unfortunate to get a serious illness we have a greater survival rate.

Our outlook on life will be better and our confidence to go and do things will be greater and we won’t be known as grumpy old folk. And as an added bonus we will live longer and happy lives.