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PR - 06/27/2006: Active for Life Helps Adults Over Fifty Start Exercising

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 27, 2006 San Mateo County Health Department Contact: Doris Estremera, (650) 573-2208  ACTIVE FOR LIFE® HELPS ADULTS OVER FIFTY START EXERCISING San Mateo, Calif.-- People know that exercise is good for them yet, almost a third of older adults in San Mateo County report no leisure-time physical activity. This is exactly where Active for Life can help. Active for Life is a free program offered by the San Mateo County Health Department and funded by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation® that works with sedentary adults over fifty years old for six months to motivate and guide them in setting and maintaining weekly physical activity goals. People who participate in the Active for Life program receive a pedometer; ideas on how to make exercise fun, safe, and affordable; materials and health programs to help them meet their exercise goals, all free of charge. To qualify for this free program, individuals must be a resident of San Mateo County, age fifty or older, and exercising infrequently or not at all. Most people take breathing for granted but not Shirley. The 65 year old was dependent on portable oxygen and could only walk short distances before losing her breath. Shirley joined the Active for Life® program and started with the simple goal of walking 15 minutes three days a week. By the end of the six-month program, Shirley was walking 30 minutes every other day, is no longer dependent on portable oxygen and was instrumental in beginning a weekly walking group at her local senior center. "Walking has allowed me to wean myself off of my breathing machine," says the now mobile Shirley. "I try to keep active every day. I really enjoy using a pedometer because it helps me to see how far I've walked and for how long. It's very convenient!" Research shows that healthy lifestyles have a greater impact than even genetic factors in helping older adults avoid the deterioration that is associated with aging. With regular exercise, older adults can reduce the risk of heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, stroke, even some cancers; maintain their independence longer; increase energy and self esteem; improve sleep; and ultimately improve their overall health. For more information about Active for Life, call (650) 573-2003 or e-mail at destremera@co.sanmateo.ca.us. ###