Never Too Old To Play

The theme for Older Americans Month is Never Too Old to Play. This month-long event, which runs throughout May, is sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging, and salutes the contributions of Americans who are 65 or older.

“Americans are living longer,” said Vivienne Halpern, MD, a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery. “The average life expectancy is 83, and more than 39.6 million Americans are over age 65.

“By comparison, there were just 17 million Americans over 65 when President Kennedy created Older Americans Month in 1963. Back then, the average life expectancy was just 69.9 years.”

Seniors, along with an increasing number of Baby Boomers who are entering their golden years, are encouraged to remain active.

“Thirty minutes of moderate physical activity each day is vital,” said Halpern. “It can help guard against the three leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer and stroke.”

Physical activity can also:

• Lower blood pressure
  
• Improve cholesterol levels 
  
• Reduce type 2 diabetes risk
  
• Reduce colon and breast cancer risk
  
• Strengthen bones and muscles
  
• Stimulate the brain and keep it sharp
  
• Help you manage a healthy weight 

“A 30 minute walk each day, a bike ride, swimming, a round of golf or playing with your grandkids can keep the heart pumping for years to come,” said Halpern.

For more on physical activity and vascular health, go to: www.VascularWeb.org

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