December 14, 2012 One of the papers presented in this issue describes “healthy
life expectancy” and found that even though life expectancy has increased, the
number of healthy years lost to disability (due to in part to living
with illness) has also increased in most countries. Thus, clearly the burden of chronic disease
will impact current and future health priorities. The Role of Exercise and Chronic Conditions Research evidence indicates the crucial role of physical
activity and exercise as an effective strategy for successful aging and good
health. Indeed, perhaps in no other
segment of the Canadian population is the role of exercise in the promotion of
health more applicable than for older adults.
Physical activity (in particular exercise) reduces the risk of over 25
chronic conditions (a majority adult-onset in nature), in particular: Additional benefits of physical activity include the lower
risk of the development of obesity, sarcopenia (muscle loss), arthritis,
physical inability, and several psychological disorders (Warburton et
al., 2006). Aging, Chronic
Conditions, and Physical Activity The prevalence of many chronic conditions increases with
age. In 2011, the Canadian Institute for Health Information
(CIHI) report-Seniors and the Health Care System: What Is the Impact of
Multiple Chronic Conditions? (CIHI, 2011) indicated that: The 24% of older
adults who reported living with three or more chronic conditions were
responsible for 40% of health care use among Canadian older adults. Physical
inactivity is considered a primary risk factor in the development of chronic
conditions. The role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic conditons needs to take a leading role and be promoted. For resources related to how "Exercise is Medicine", visit this initiative's website to learn about their vision to make physical activity
and exercise a standard part of a global disease prevention and
treatment medical paradigm. Seniors and
the Health Care System: What Is the Impact of Multiple Chronic Conditions? Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). January 2011. Warburton,
D. E., Nicol, C., & Bredin, S. S. Health
benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Canadian Medical Association
Journal 174, 801-809. 2006.Older Adults and the Global Burden of Chronic Disease
Submitted by Dr. Liza Stathokostas, CCAA Researcher
In December, The Lancet medical journal published the
findings of the largest ever study on the global burden of disease. This study indicates
that chronic conditions have become the dominant causes of death and disability
worldwide.
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Don Paterson
Research Director
519.661.1606
dpaterso@uwo.ca
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