LEADING GERONTOLOGY PROFESSOR DISCUSSES CONTROLLABLE BIOMARKERS THAT AFFECT AGING

Dr. William J. Evans, author of “Biomarkers of Aging” and adjunct professor of geriatrics at Duke University Medical Center, recently presented the educational seminar “Biomarkers of Aging: What Is in Your Control?” at Covenant Village of Cromwell, Cromwell, Conn. During the presentation, area seniors learned the benefits of maintaining an exercise routine and biomarkers one can control and monitor to increase vitality. The biomarkers include:

·      Muscle mass,

·      Strength,

·      Basal metabolic rate,

·      Bone density,

·      Aerobic capacity,

·      Blood pressure,

·      Cholesterol.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), older adults need at least three hours of moderate aerobic activity and two or more days of strength training every week to help prevent health problems,” says Burt Johnson, Covenant Village of Cromwell executive director. “As an active senior living community, we provide residents with a variety of health and fitness opportunities. Through events like Dr. Evans’ presentation, we hope to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as people age.”

“As of 2010, approximately 40 million people suffered from sarcopenia — progressive loss of skeletal muscle — and another 40 million have or are at high risk of osteoporosis — weak bones,” states Evans.

He explained that studies have shown that progressive resistance training maintained for a minimum of 10 weeks can combat sarcopenia and osteoporosis. In the studies, participants:

·      Improved balance,

·      Increased muscle,

·      Increased strength,

·      Increased physical activity.

He pointed out that additional benefits of maintaining an exercise routine include:

·      Increased life expectancy;

·      Improved cognitive function, which can prevent Alzheimer’s disease;

·      Increased insulin, which decreases the risk of diabetes;

·      Improved bone health, which decreases the risk of osteoporosis;

·      Enhanced nitrogen balance, which is needed for tissue repair.

Evans highlighted that since 1992 obesity in the United States has steadily increased. “According to obesity trends, there were nine states within the 15-19 percentile in 1992. In 2010, all 50 states were over the 20 percentile, and four states were in the less than 30 percentile category,” states Evans. 

He informed attendees that a diet that includes complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, beans and non-starchy vegetables, coupled with exercise can help increase weight loss in older adults and assist in controlling biomarkers such as blood pressure and cholesterol.

On Oct. 10, Covenant Village of Cromwell will host “Around the World: The Food of Germany.” To RSVP for this event or receive additional information about Covenant Village, please visit www.VillageofCromwell.com/rsvp or call (877) 916-2304.

About Covenant Village of Cromwell

Covenant Village of Cromwell is a faith-based, nationally accredited, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities Inc., which is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Covenant Village, call (860) 635-2690 or visit www.CovenantVillageofCromwell.org.