As you age you notice that you are not as strong as before. Most of us simply chalk that up to the "natural" aging process. However, to fight the physical dangers of aging, strength is very important. We are not talking about bodybuilding and packing on bulky muscles. What we mean is simply making your body stronger so that you don't become part of one of the following statistics ... - Falls in those 75 or older contribute to 70% of accidental deaths. - Respiratory issues such as COPD are the #3 cause of death for men and women 65 and older. - 1 in every 3 people over 65 will fall each year. (Doctors are certain this number is drastically higher, since many falls are not reported because of embarrassment or concern over medical bills.) - 1 in 5 Americans over 65 suffer from a lack of independence and reduced quality of life due to osteoporosis and/or diabetes. - If you are 80 years or older, there is a 50% chance you will fall. - As a senior citizen, if you fall once, you are 200% to 300% more likely to fall again. - Heart disease impacts 26% of women and 37% of men 65 or older. - Roughly 9,500 deaths in older US citizens each year are associated with falling. - Even if you survive a fall as a senior citizen, you suffer a much greater functional decline in your ability to perform normal daily activities. -Over 250,000 older Americans experience a fractured hip each year (research as of 1996, probably a larger number now due to aging of the US population) - Over half of adults over 65 years of age are affected by arthritis. - 1 in 4 seniors who fracture a hip die within 6 months as a result of that injury. The real problem here is not the scary statistics just covered. The problem is that each and every one of the debilitating and even deadly issues we just mentioned can be positively impacted by simply lifting light weights, yet seniors are not strength training. The following are the incredible benefits of simply lifting light weights a few times each week for seniors ... - A feeling of self-esteem and self-confidence - Improved circulatory system - Lowered risk of heart disease - Regulation of a naturally healthy body weight - Light weightlifting is an effective way to treat and eradicate back pain - You have fewer feelings of depression, anxiety and stress - You strengthen your bones, naturally improving your ability to fight health issues like osteoporosis - Light weightlifting is excellent for preventing and treating diabetes - Arthritis sufferers