CDC Reports 31 Million Older Americans Don't Get Adequate Exercise Save

The Sept.16th issue of MMWR reports that many Americans over age 50 are not getting sufficient exercise, thereby increasing their risk for falls, fractures and comorbidities, if not premature death. (Citation source http://buff.ly/2cPAcq9)

The report analyzed data from the 2014 national  Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) telephone survey of US adults.

Overall, 27.5% of adults aged ≥50 years reported no physical activity outside of work during the past month. Inactivity prevalence significantly increased with increasing age (25% aults aged 50–64 yrs and 35.3% if ≥75 yrs).

Inactivity prevalence was significantly higher among women, Hispanics and blacks, the obese, and adults with chronic diseases.

Based on that definition, 31 million older Americans are inactive -- just over 29 percent of women and nearly 26 percent of men.

Colorado had the most active older Americans, with 82 percent getting daily exercise. People in Arkansas were the least active, with only 61 percent getting daily exercise, according to the report. 

Researchers conclude that roughly 28% of adults ≥50 years are inactive and are missing the opportunity to improve their health through physical activity.