Patrice M. Winter, - Fit After Fifty

The 78 million Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 are unlike any generation before them have redefined aging and are more educated, wealthy, and tech savvy than their parents. Yet, despite these advantages, some studies, including a Harvard study titled “Trends in Obesity and Arthritis Among Baby Boomers and Their Predecessors,” show that many Boomers are actually overweight or obese, placing them at greater risk for chronic health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. To promote healthy aging, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is launching its “Fit After 50”campaign to educate the public about the important role that physical therapists play in helping people aged 50 and older remain active, fit, and mobile. The campaign kicks off October 1 with “50 Days, 50 Ways,” a daily series of 50 tips for Baby Boomers, from APTA member physical therapists, on how to prevent injury and maintain mobility by staying active and fit. The public can view the tips on the “Fit After 50” webpage and via Twitter and Facebook. To encourage the public to share these tips with their social networks, APTA will be giving away prizes throughout "50 Days, 50 Ways." “Our goal with this campaign,” said APTA President, Paul Rockar Jr, PT, DPT, MS, “is to educate people about the importance of staying fit as they age to achieve long-term quality of life. Physical therapists can help people remain active and fit by providing individualized fitness programs that improve balance, increase mobility, and reduce risk of injury.” An August 2012 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who are most fit at midlife experience better health and significantly lower the risk of developing chronic diseases after the age of 65.