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The report cites that although the benefits of physical activity increase with more frequent or intense activity, even moderate levels of activity -- such as washing a car or raking leaves -- can produce substantial benefits, which can be even more pronounced in older adults. These benefits can include preventing or delaying chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as reducing the risk of colon cancer and improving the ability to function for people with arthritis and lung disease.

HHS released the report as President George W. Bush visited a senior center in Orlando as part of his call on all Americans to become more active under the administration's new Healthier U.S. initiative announced Thursday.

"Older Americans shouldn't fall trap to the mindset that aging automatically means inactivity and limited physical ability," said Secretary Thompson. "Few factors contribute so much to successful aging as regular physical activity, and it's never too late to start. Even moderate activity can make a real difference in a person's health and well-being. Being active is fun and healthy."

Few older Americans achieve the minimum recommended 30 or more minutes of physical activity on five or more days a week. About 28 percent to 34 percent of adults aged 65-74 and 35 percent to 44 percent of adults age 75 are inactive, meaning they report no leisure-time moderate activity. Lack of physical activity and poor diets are the major causes of an epidemic of obesity that is affecting the elderly as well as younger populations.

By 2030, the number of older Americans is expected to double from 35 million to 70 million people. Currently, almost one-third of total U.S. health care expenditures is for older adults. Given this aging trend, the impact of a lack of physical activity on medical care costs is likely to grow as a result of an aging population, unless trends in physical activity change.

"No one is too old to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise. Healthy lifestyles, which include proper nutrition, are more influential than genetic factors in avoiding deterioration traditionally associated with aging," said HHS Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina G. Carbonell. "Caregivers caring for their family members and friends can also benefit greatly from regular exercise."

Recent research has identified a number of strategies that are effective in promoting regular physical activity for Americans. Individuals are encouraged to find activities that are enjoyable and to make them a daily part of life, setting specific activity goals that gradually increase. Clinicians are encouraged to work closely with patients to assess levels to physical activity and how to overcome barriers to increasing those activity levels. Communities also play a role. They can establish programs tailored to seniors' physical activity needs and improve places such as walking or bike trails where people can be active, and sidewalks and streetlights to enhance safety when walking.

"The importance of physical activity to older Americans can't be stressed too much," said Secretary Thompson. "An active lifestyle is achievable and it helps people live independently longer."

The report "Physical Activity and Older Americans: Benefits and Strategies" pulls together data from various studies and scientific sources to illustrate the benefits and accessibility of physical activity for older Americans. It is available at www.ahrq.gov/ppip/activity.htm.

The National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health has published the booklet "Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging" with information for older Americans on beginning an exercise routine. It is available at www.nia.nih.gov/exercisebook/intro.htm.

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