Daily HealthBeat Tip

Why expect to slow down?

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Older Americans' low expectations about aging may lead them to sedentary lifestyles. A study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine shows many adults 65 and older believe that deterioration in physical and mental health is normal, and even expected, as they age. That mindset may keep them from exercising.

The study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, surveyed a wide variety of seniors 65 and older. Forty percent reported having a regular exercise routine. Researcher Catherine Sarkisian of UCLA's School of Medicine says these are low expectations.

"Based on our findings, I would encourage older adults never to use old age as an excuse for not exercising." (6 seconds)

Sarkisian says older adults who walked 30 minutes a day reported better sleep, less depression and greater energy level.

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: December 8, 2005

The White House | USA.gov | HHS Archive | No FEAR Act