As the United States populace continues to age, there seems to be an endless array of ailments that affect this already vulnerable population. From heart disease to arthritis, cancer, diabetes and depression, Medicare is spending a staggering $84 billion annually in treatment.
While most people know that a healthy diet and stress reduction can contribute to improved overall health, physical activity – specifically strength activity – has been shown to positively impact the effects of these diseases, both from a prevention and management point of view.
Research has shown that muscle loss can actually be prevented and that it can easily be restored at any age. Strength exercise has been proven to effectively manage these conditions by significantly reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with muscle and strength loss.
In fact, companies like ActiveRx®, a brand that is launching a network of Strengtherapy Centers across the country, are solely focused on improving the quality of life for older adults (those 60 and older) through a system known as Strengtherapy®.
Through strength regeneration protocols like Strengtherapy, older adults are able to regain both their strength and their independence. As strength increases, mobility and balance improve and this helps prevent hazards such as falling.
Falls are a main concern of aging adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among people over age 65 every year. In fact, one out of three older adults fall each year, but fewer than half talk to their healthcare providers about it.
Interestingly, preserving and regenerating strength is the single best way to remain vertical and prevent falls as you age. Knowing this, it is more important than ever to encourage adults 50 and over to remain strong and active. The sooner one becomes aware of its importance and begins to focus on their strength, the earlier it is that muscle and functional losses and falls can be prevented.
Based on years of academic research, the ActiveRx Strengtherapy System includes professional evaluations, chronic disease prevention and management, and a proven process to efficiently enhance strength, mobility, agility and balance.
According to the World Health Organization, the older adult population is projected to triple by mid-century, from 531 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion in 2050. In the United States, it is expected to more than double, from 41 to 86 million. As the nation ages and longevity increases, the value that strength delivers cannot be ignored. Concepts like ActiveRx are built on the proven fact that strength is the foundation of health and wellness. Everyone talks about fitness, but Strengtherapy focuses strictly on functional strength, which research continues to show is the best thing you can do for your overall health as you age.
The time is now to begin redefining the aging process
Every older adult has the ability to regain years of their previous ability to function. Through Strengtherapy, older adults can empower themselves to become more capable of performing daily tasks without struggling, such as walking longer distances without worry of falling lifting groceries and extending to put them into high cabinets, and having the peace of mind that if they sit down they are able to stand back up. Everyday tasks such as these should not be overlooked, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. The truth is that strength can be regained at any age, and with it comes a cascade of benefits that can give people the ability to do almost anything they set their mind to – climb the pyramids in Egypt, dance at their granddaughter’s wedding, go paragliding in the Swiss Alps. These are all true ActiveRx stories from real people who discovered the power of strength in life and living.
With strength exercise, adults will be able to live independently for longer than they ever thought possible. Even more importantly, they will live better and with fewer restrictions than they ever thought possible.
ActiveRx services are delivered by fullytrained, degreed and licensed professionals who specialize in working with older adults. The ActiveRx Strengtherapy Center teams work to encourage each patient to achieve their personal optimal state of prevention in a safe and effective manner.
It is through Strengtherapy and strength exercise in general that we can all play our part in helping aging adults around the country get a new lease on life.
Recognized as one of Arizona’s leading authorities in geriatric health and wellness, Matt Essex is the founder of ActiveRx, a Chandler, Ariz.-based company and national leader in preventative senior healthcare that focuses on the allimportant connection between strength maintenance, independent living and a high quality of life.
For more information about ActiveRx and its franchising opportunities visit: www.activerx.com/franchise