Seniors Never Too Old to Benefit From Structured Exercise

Convincing older adult patients to reverse sedentary habits and incorporate an exercise program is one of the biggest obstacles physicians have to overcome, says family physician Jeffrey Zlotnick, M.D., of Easton, Pa.

Zlotnick, a board-certified FP who holds a certificate of added qualifications in sports medicine, knows how beneficial a regular exercise program is for this age group, but he sometimes has difficulty convincing his patients. "I think of myself as a polite, passive-aggressive pain," Zlotnick says. "I broach the subject every time a patient come in, and every so often, it will start breaking through."

He notes that many patients may be afraid an exercise program will irritate the pain they already live with. However, "They don't know what they're capable of," says Zlotnick, who practices in Somerville, N.J., and currently is president of the New Jersey AFP. "You have to convince them they're going to get benefits in areas like high blood pressure, diabetes and hypertension."

And the research backs him up. According to a 2006 study in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, a structured exercise program may improve the health and independence of elderly patients, even if they have not exercised in the past.

The abstract for the article, "Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention on Measures of Physical Performance," says that regular exercise can lower elderly patients' chances of major walking disabilities. The research indicates that an integrated exercise program that includes aerobic, strength, balance and flexibility exercises can increase walking ability among individuals ages 70 to 89.

In addition, the research found that exercise programs may be safely implemented in the elderly despite years of sedentary behavior.

The findings reinforce studies published in the American Journal of Epidemiology and elsewhere that suggest regular physical activity may not only extend life expectancy but also reduce the risk of physical disability later in life.

Zlotnick says he starts conversations about exercise programs for his older adult patients by asking open-ended questions about daily activities, such as climbing stairs, driving, shopping and maintaining energy.

"When they talk about pain, I ask them if they'd like to look at something more than more medicines," Zlotnick says. "If they say no, I let it go and broach the topic next time. If they say yes, I have a brochure on various programs I give them."

Zlotnick also contacts senior centers, hospitals and physical therapy offices to research senior exercise options.

"It takes a little extra time to make the phone calls," Zlotnick says, "but once you have a network set up, you don't have to do it again."

The research also can lead to opportunities to present the benefits of exercise to members of the elderly community and try to motivate them into action.

"You have to put it in realistic terms, but once (older adult patients) see the benefits of exercise, most will stick with it," says Zlotnick.