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Jazzercise News Releases
Active Aging Week Promotes Quality of Life for Seniors
CARLSBAD, Calif. (September 16, 2004) – Millions of older Americans suffer from chronic illness that can be prevented or improved through regular exercise, yet more than a third of adults over the age of 65 remain inactive. This month, an alliance of wellness organizations is setting out to change that fact. Jazzercise, Inc., with the support of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the International Council on Active Aging, is bringing free fitness classes and health information to older Americans nationwide for the second annual Active Aging Week. The international observance, held Sept. 27 through Oct. 3, will team fitness and wellness facilities that cater to the senior population with local Jazzercise instructors to offer seniors free Jazzercise Lite classes, a low-impact version of the original Jazzercise program. Nearly a hundred facilities are currently scheduled to participate, and for Jazzercise founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett, the goal is to reach as many seniors as possible throughout the nation. “As people get older, they’re frequently told what they can’t do. But the truth is, you’re never too old to become physically active,” says Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise founder and CEO. “Our goal is to help people understand the advantages of regular exercise and provide fun and simple ways for them to get active and stay active.” Apart from increasing energy, strength and self-esteem, regular exercise also helps to maintain mental capacity and aid in the management of debilitating conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis. For older adults in particular, this translates into increased independence, with exercise helping to increase strength and flexibility and lower risk for disease. “Many people still don’t realize that physical inactivity is contributing to a number of the chronic diseases affecting older Americans, including heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and high blood pressure,” says Colin Milner, International Council on Active Aging CEO. “We want to spread the word that there are simple steps we can all take to improve the health of older generations.” According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging, by the year 2030 the number of older Americans is expected to double from 35 million to 70 million, placing increased demand on the public health system. Statistics also indicate health care expenditures for people aged 65 and older are currently quadruple that for 40-year-olds, and those numbers are expected to rise. For Josefina G. Cabonell, Assistant Secretary for Aging, the week presents an opportunity to begin confronting these challenges head on. “We’re hoping our efforts will conquer the health challenges associated with inactivity and poor nutrition among older Americans,” Cabonell says. “Active Aging Week allows us to celebrate and recognize those people who are embracing a healthier lifestyle, while encouraging health and fitness professionals to continue to provide even more opportunities to help older adults become more active.” For more information about Active Aging Week visit www.jazzercise.com or call 1-800-FIT-IS-IT.
### Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 6,800 instructors teaching 30,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information, go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT.
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