Exercise knows no age limits, as proven by Dorothy Erlanger, who completed an Olympic length triathlon at the age of 73. Her inspiring story showcases the importance of staying active no matter how old you are. With the majority of older adults being physically inactive, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of exercise in later years.
Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can lead to muscle weakness and bone deterioration. However, staying active through regular exercise can help combat these effects of aging. Aerobic exercises keep the heart and brain healthy, while balance and strength training improve quality of life and independence in daily activities.
Ways to Stay Active
For older adults looking to start an exercise routine, it’s essential to begin slowly and consider low-impact options to prevent injuries. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise plan is advisable. Hydration and stretching are also key components of a safe and effective workout regimen.
Exercise Options for Older Adults
Resistance band training is a safe and effective way for older adults to strengthen muscles and bones. Yoga offers a combination of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness, benefiting both physical and mental health. Tai Chi provides a gentle, low-impact workout that can help relieve pain and improve overall well-being. Simple activities like walking can also have significant health benefits, including improved heart health and mood.
Conclusion
Finding the right exercise routine that fits your lifestyle and needs is crucial for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle as an older adult. Whether it’s resistance training, yoga, Tai Chi, or walking, the key is to get moving and prioritize your physical well-being.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6485691/
The post Exercise as an Older Adult appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is a general term to describe any healing approach that differs from standard medical practice. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. However, these assertions cannot be scientifically proven because mainstream medical authorities have largely ignored the evidence-based benefits of alternative medicine.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Because they are not compatible with conventional medicine’s treatment and diagnosis, CAM practitioners may use alternative treatments. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies are effective in pain relief, stress management and relaxation. They can improve your well-being, reduce fatigue, and may even help you feel more energetic. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Some CAM therapies can be fun.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- An holistic view that considers body, mind and environment.
- The belief that the mind, body and soul interact and influence one another
- It is believed that illness is caused by an imbalance between the environment and the person.
- Focus on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
What is a holistic medicine doctor?
A holistic medicine doctor is someone who treats patients holistically. They might combine western medicine and traditional methods, such as acupuncture and herbs.
They are not interested in treating symptoms but rather a disease. The patient should feel better following treatment.
Doctors must not only treat the illness but also look out for ways to prevent it from returning.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
What is the distinction between alternative medicine (AM) and complementary medicine (CM)?
Alternative medicine refers only to treatment methods that are not recommended by mainstream doctors but have been proven to provide beneficial results for certain conditions. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and naturopathy. Complementary Medicines are treatments that add to the treatment of conventional medicine. They may also be used in combination with it. These may include dietary supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, herbs, enzymes, enzymes, probiotics or other natural substances.
Both forms of medicine may be used. However, most conventional doctors will not recommend them due either to insufficient evidence nor safety concerns.
There isn’t consensus among health-care providers on the best way to incorporate CAM into patient treatment.
Many CAM methods are based on theories that have been developed over thousands of year. But clinical trials in the past 20 years have suggested that these therapies might work.
Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve pain. The preliminary data suggests that acupuncture may decrease nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some CAM methods also appear to have potential therapeutic effects on diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Experts agree that CAM can help with many ailments, even though we still have a lot to learn about its effectiveness.
People are turning to CAM practitioners more often for relief from common diseases.
Despite this growing popularity, many people remain confused about what exactly constitutes “alternative” or “complementary” medicine.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different than Alternative Medicine because it addresses the whole person rather than just symptoms.
Holistic Health Care addresses all aspects of an individual’s life: mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, occupational, cultural and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these issues. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What are you looking for in a qualified holistic practitioner?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Specialization in a particular field is what makes doctors the best. Holistic medicine is what we are referring too. This means that doctors should be able to treat their patients holistically. It is important for them to understand how to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. They must understand holistic health, and why you should see a holistic doctor.
Doctors must be well-versed in holistic health. They should also be familiar with complementary and other therapies (CAM), like acupuncture or chiropractic care.
Holistic healthcare practitioners should also have the ability to diagnose your condition, and then explain the options available so you can make an educated decision about your treatment options.
It is also important to ask if the doctor is certified by professional organizations, such as the American Holistic Medical Association (NCBCTM) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
Our directory can help you find holistic practitioners in your area. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
Visit your local library to find books and resources related to holistic health.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Priscilla Lundquist
Title: Exercise Tips for Older Adults
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/fitness/exercise/exercise-as-an-older-adult/
Published Date: Fri, 04 Oct 2024 20:32:36 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine is a general term to describe any healing approach that differs from standard medical practice. There are many types of alternative medicine. However, they all share the same premise: health care should be grounded in natural substances and practices, not chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine includes acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, shamanic healing, spiritual healing, prayer, energy healing, aromatherapy, meditation, yoga, chiropractic, massage therapy, Reiki, and various types of psychotherapy.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. However, these assertions cannot be scientifically proven because mainstream medical authorities have largely ignored the evidence-based benefits of alternative medicine.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Because they are not compatible with conventional medicine’s treatment and diagnosis, CAM practitioners may use alternative treatments. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. Some forms of acupuncture use needles while others use acupressure and moxibustion with heat.
Some CAM therapies are effective in pain relief, stress management and relaxation. They can improve your well-being, reduce fatigue, and may even help you feel more energetic. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Some CAM therapies can be fun.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- An holistic view that considers body, mind and environment.
- The belief that the mind, body and soul interact and influence one another
- It is believed that illness is caused by an imbalance between the environment and the person.
- Focus on the whole person and not just the symptoms.
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
What is a holistic medicine doctor?
A holistic medicine doctor is someone who treats patients holistically. They might combine western medicine and traditional methods, such as acupuncture and herbs.
They are not interested in treating symptoms but rather a disease. The patient should feel better following treatment.
Doctors must not only treat the illness but also look out for ways to prevent it from returning.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
What is the distinction between alternative medicine (AM) and complementary medicine (CM)?
Alternative medicine refers only to treatment methods that are not recommended by mainstream doctors but have been proven to provide beneficial results for certain conditions. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal remedies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and naturopathy. Complementary Medicines are treatments that add to the treatment of conventional medicine. They may also be used in combination with it. These may include dietary supplements, such as vitamins and minerals, herbs, enzymes, enzymes, probiotics or other natural substances.
Both forms of medicine may be used. However, most conventional doctors will not recommend them due either to insufficient evidence nor safety concerns.
There isn’t consensus among health-care providers on the best way to incorporate CAM into patient treatment.
Many CAM methods are based on theories that have been developed over thousands of year. But clinical trials in the past 20 years have suggested that these therapies might work.
Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve pain. The preliminary data suggests that acupuncture may decrease nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may reduce symptoms of irritable-bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some CAM methods also appear to have potential therapeutic effects on diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Experts agree that CAM can help with many ailments, even though we still have a lot to learn about its effectiveness.
People are turning to CAM practitioners more often for relief from common diseases.
Despite this growing popularity, many people remain confused about what exactly constitutes “alternative” or “complementary” medicine.
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different than Alternative Medicine because it addresses the whole person rather than just symptoms.
Holistic Health Care addresses all aspects of an individual’s life: mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, occupational, cultural and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these issues. It is solely concerned with the body, mind, and emotions.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture to Treat Insomnia
doi.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- A sociological perspective on the rise and fall of complementary and alternate medicine – PubMed
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
How To
What are you looking for in a qualified holistic practitioner?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Specialization in a particular field is what makes doctors the best. Holistic medicine is what we are referring too. This means that doctors should be able to treat their patients holistically. It is important for them to understand how to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. They must understand holistic health, and why you should see a holistic doctor.
Doctors must be well-versed in holistic health. They should also be familiar with complementary and other therapies (CAM), like acupuncture or chiropractic care.
Holistic healthcare practitioners should also have the ability to diagnose your condition, and then explain the options available so you can make an educated decision about your treatment options.
It is also important to ask if the doctor is certified by professional organizations, such as the American Holistic Medical Association (NCBCTM) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). NBOHMCA certification is available in many areas, such as naturopathic, acupuncture or homeopathy, clinical nutritional, herbal medicine, aromatherapy and clinical nutrition.
Our directory can help you find holistic practitioners in your area. If there isn’t one, you may be capable of searching online for a holistic practitioner near you.
Check with your local hospital to see if they offer holistic health care.
Visit your local library to find books and resources related to holistic health.
