Feb 16, 2009

Exercising and Seniors

A study was done on 117 senior citizens on whether or not exercising helped their body’s ability to guard against insulin resistance and improved their motor skills. The study was done with part of the group doing just aerobic exercises, just resistance training, no exercise at all, and a combination of both aerobic and resistance training. The researchers measured body fat, muscle mass, and insulin resistance at the beginning and end of every workout. They found that the groups who had aerobic exercises in their work out had improved rates of insulin resistance. They also found that exercise in general, no matter what kind, greatly improved motor function in seniors. Exercise is good for everyone, not just seniors, it gets us up and moving using our muscles to get us into a more healthy state and lower the risk of complications.

seniorcitizen


Jan 22, 2009

Generalized Anxiety Disorder In Older Adults

medication

Older adults have been a part of a study for the use of medication for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  Studies have been done in adults and young adults, but very little for older adults.  The study found medication to be moderately useful.  85 older adult patients in the study were placed on Lexapro and 92 were given a placebo.  Average age for this study is about 71 years old.  At the end of 12 weeks the study showed that 7% over half of  the patients that were on the Lexapro showed an improvement with their daily functioning and their GAD.  5% under half taking the placebo showed a positive result.  These numbers are post drop out.  The medicine takes about 4 weeks to get in the patients system and begin to work.  But the researchers say if you stick with the plan, you will most likely see beneficial results.

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