BRENTWOOD, Tenn., April 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Most older people
know the importance of aerobic activity. But fewer realize another
type of exercise is crucial for preventing injuries and debility.
Throughout May, Brookdale teams will visit seniors in their homes
to introduce them to resistance training, necessary to offset
age-related muscle loss that increases the risk of falling. The
"Senior and Stronger" initiative takes place during Older Americans
Month and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7087732-brookdale-senior-living/
Muscle mass declines 3% annually after age 60, according to the
National Center for Biotechnology Information. By 80, 50% of men
and over a third of women have muscle weakness known as sarcopenia.
"This muscle loss is a primary factor in falling, which is the
leading cause of severe and fatal injuries in seniors," said Dr.
Kevin O'Neil, Brookdale's chief
medical officer. "Half of people above 80 fall each year."
Exercise is the best way to fight sarcopenia but aerobic
activities, while vital for cardiac health, don't provide enough
muscular boost. "You must work your muscles against gravity and
weight several times a week," Dr. O'Neil said. "The good news is
you can gain strength through resistance training regardless of
age." Besides lowering fall risk, building muscle strength can
improve bone density, reduce osteoarthritis pain, improve sleep and
enhance brain health.
Through "Senior and Stronger," Brookdale teams will go to
seniors' homes to educate them on strength training, providing
resistance bands and detailed information to help them get started.
Seniors are also invited to participate in a resistance training
webcast Brookdale will hold at 3:30 p.m.
ET / 2:30 p.m. CT /
12:30 p.m. PT, Wednesday, May 27 on brookdale.com.
For more information about Brookdale, visit brookdale.com.
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of
senior living communities throughout the
United States. The Company is committed to providing senior
living solutions within properties that are designed, purpose-built
and operated to provide the highest-quality service, care and
living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale operates
independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care communities
and continuing care retirement centers, with nearly 1,150
communities in 46 states and the ability to serve approximately
111,000 residents. Through its ancillary services programs, the
Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health,
personalized living and hospice services.
Contact: Kristin Puckett,
615-564-8481, kpuckett@brookdale.com
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SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.