American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

According to new research conducted by the University of British Columbia and published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 12 months of once-weekly or twice-weekly resistance training improved executive cognitive function in senior women aged 65 to 75 years old. Executive cognitive functions are cognitive abilities necessary for independent living, explains Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the nation’s leading non-profit long-term care insurance industry organization.

Previous studies have shown that aerobic exercise training, such as walking or swimming enhances brain and cognitive function. However, seniors with limited mobility are unable to benefit from this type of exercise.

The research team noted that until now, the benefits of resistance training, which is an attractive alternative type of exercise for seniors with limited mobility, on cognitive function has received little investigation.

Cognitive decline among seniors is a pressing health care issue and it is a key risk factor for falls. Approximately 30 per cent of British Columbia seniors experience a fall each year and fall-related hip fractures account for more than 4,000 injures each year at a cost of $75 Million to the health care system.

Results from this study are available for immediate adoption by senior women seeking to improve their health as the doses of resistance training used meet the recommended criteria provided by the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for seniors.

Support for this research was provided by a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Establishment Grant, the Vancouver Foundation, and the BC Medical Services Foundation.

Tags: aging, American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, dementia, financial planning, long term care, long-term care insurance, longevity, Medicare, women

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