Baby Boomers Bike

As our population ages the recognition they must stay active for quality of life is forefront on their minds. The recumbent bike is well suited for seasoned individuals.  The AoA (Administration of Aging) says 65 years and older numbered 39.6 million in 2009. That is a whopping 12.9% of the U.S. population!

The AoA predicts by 2030 there will be 72.1 million older people (65+). This would mean 19% of the total population.

Since Americans are living longer than ever before the need to remain healthy is tantamount. Agingstats.gov says people living to 65 can expect to live an average of 18.5 more years. That means most people will live to their mid-eighties.

Did you know exercise keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong and has been shown to ward off relapse in cancer victims? An article in Archives of Internal Medicine confirms exercise not only helps maintain good health, but may even prevent the onset of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, osteoarthritis, and dementia.

According to Time magazine physical activity may diminish the risk for vascular dementia. Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia are associated with decreased blood flow to the brain.

The choice is obvious. Not only does exercise (even moderate) stave off diseases associated with aging, it will help your mind stay sharp.

A lot of seniors don’t like to go to the gym to workout. There are alternatives to mixing it up with a group of sweaty, noisy individuals. Recumbent bikes offer a low-impact cardio workout you can do in the comfort of your home. You don’t feel the strain associated with other types of exercise equipment. They are especially useful for people with back or knee pain.

Recumbent bikes can be purchased for as little as a couple of hundred dollars up to a couple of thousand dollars. You just need to find one you will use on a regular basis. Remember, it is an investment in your physical and mental health.