Exercise, Aging & the Brain

Course overview

This INR live webinar, "Exercise, Aging and the Brain," will present up-to-date information on how exercise and physical activity produce an array of benefits for older adults in the prevention and treatment of chronic conditions that occur in later life. Some benefits are well-known, such as improving cardiovascular health and controlling weight. Others, like the positive effects of exercise on cognition, cancer survival, and frailty, are less recognized by health care professionals. Studies show that increased daily physical activity, and prescribed and targeted exercise programs, are as effective or more effective than medications and far safer. Maintaining physical and cognitive function, essential for successful aging and a high quality of life, requires a focus on preventative exercise. Even relatively healthy yet sedentary adults can expect an average increase of two to four years of life expectancy by adopting a more physically active lifestyle. Older adults, especially those with one or more chronic diseases, often exhibit functional dependency, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy. Sedentary behavior also poses enormous health risks for seniors. The ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating, dressing, and bathing, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as meal preparation, shopping, financial management, and household management, is essential for independent living. Regular exercise, especially group exercise, has also been shown to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults. This course will cover the importance of exercise along with functional fitness elements needed daily to keep patients and clients active in later years. After completing this course, health care professionals can help inspire and motivate patients to adopt positive attitudes toward exercise and physical activity.