Strength training among adults aged >/=65 years--United States, 2001

Abstract

Strength training (also referred to as resistance training) enables adults to improve their overall health and fitness by increasing muscular strength, endurance, and bone density and by improving their insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. For older adults (i.e., persons aged >/=65 years), strength-training exercises are recommended to decrease the risk for falls and fractures and to promote independent living. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that adults include strength training as part of a comprehensive physical activity program. A national health objective for 2010 is to increase to 30% the proportion of adults who perform, >/=2 days per week, physical activities that enhance and maintain muscular strength and endurance. To determine the percentage and characteristics of older adults who perform strength training consistent with this objective, CDC analyzed data from the 2001 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicated that approximately 12% of persons aged 65-74 years and 10% of persons aged >/=75 years met the strength-training objective. These findings underscore the need for programs that encourage older adults to incorporate strength training into their lives along with regular physical activity.