Improving the health of adults over 50, through physical activity
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Role Models for Active Aging

Carolyn Carolyn is 77 and has been married for 55 years. She is a home maker with 4 children and 3 grandchildren. She's been exercising for 20 years for at least 5 days a week. Carolyn has been an active participant at the Wichita State University Center for Physical Activity and Aging program for the past 5 years. Her favorite program is stretching and toning with elastic bands. Carolyn feels that "genetics and regular activity" are the key to longevity.
Dana Dana is 70, and has been married for 34 years. She is a retired elementary teacher. She exercises 5 days per week by walking and stretching, and she lifts weights 2 days a week. She also stays active by volunteering at a nature center. Dana's advice for getting active is to "Find a group to exercise with".
Tom Tom is a 78 year old marketer and graphic artist with two children. He has been married for 49 years. He began having back pain and realized he was overweight when he was 73, and began a regular exercise program. By working out 3 days a week at the WSU center, he's lost 50 pounds and no longer has back pain. Tom's advice to begin exercising is to "talk to your doctor first, get a friend, and get active!".
Pearl Pearl, 68, is a retired teacher's aid. She has been exercising 5 days a week for the past 8 years. Since starting the program at WSU, she's felt better, lost weight, and doesn't feel as stiff in the morning. Walking is her favorite activity. Pearl says, "Start walking a little and stick with it, even when you don't feel like it. It helps your health".
Dale Dale is 73 and is a practicing lawyer. By enrolling in the WSU program, exercise has become a "habit" for him. He exercises about 1 hour per day, 5 days a week. He regularly participates in walking, resistance training, and stretching. He notices a higher energy level and less stress, as well as improved muscle tone and balance. Dale recommends making physical activity a "habit", remembering that "if you quick exercising after you start, it's very difficult to start again!"


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