Regarding the recent commentary ‘Aging population our great challenge and opportunity’ (March 16), and the pandemic, one factor often not considered enough is physical fitness.
Research has shown the appalling state of physical health of too many Canadians. If the objective is to keep seniors from ending up in long-term care, providing efficient health care and saving valuable resources, then we had better look at the fitness of the general public.
Using the day one retires as a focal point in life, thoughts turn to no more work, no morning alarms and no more traffic. For many, work was their exercise and upon retiring that exercise ends. For many, riding around in a golf cart is considered exercise. Others do no exercise other than fight for the parking spot closest to the Walmart entrance.
Some smoked, so lungs are compromised, some were moderate drinkers so a number of bodily systems may have been compromised. Many never walked for exercise so legs and lungs are only good for a brief walk and more than likely bodily balance is out of wack. Studies show Canadians of all ages are overweight even to the point of being obese. With lack of personal fitness in retirement, combined with the number of pharmaceuticals prescribed over a lifetime, the overall natural immune system may be compromised. When COVID enters the body and encounters little resistance, havoc ensues and you can become a statistical burden on hospitals and medical staff, as well, a financial burden on the government.
The government suggests, and I quote, “targeted individual and population technology-enabled health and social strategies and innovations,” as a strategy introduce fitness programs to get people off their chairs and couches. Reinforce the immune system, build strong muscles, strengthen the heart and expand the lungs. I heard little from the medical “experts” (all of a sudden there were hundreds of them) about encouraging a change in lifestyle to combat this pandemic. Rarely did I hear medical officers encourage the use of supplements to augment the immune system. Fitness of the body was rarely a point of discussion or suggestion.
Daily reports fixated on seniors nursing homes relaying the terrible news of how many died from COVID. Not surprising. Our cherished elders, as reported, were living in unacceptable conditions, most in poor physical condition from lack of fitness and exercise. At an advanced age these people did not have the physical strength to get out of bed and fend for themselves let alone fend off a serious pandemic.
Times have changed and fitness is not the only problem — there is no one at home. One hundred years ago families looked after senior members at home. Who needs to be fit? Technology has taken over and you no longer need to walk, just have it delivered. Fast foods have taken over home cooked nutrition. Sit at a computer all day, then come home and sit in front of another computer or TV set. The pharmaceutical companies are making billions telling you that you need this pill or that pill to survive and make you feel well. There is an old saying “if you look after your body, your body will look after you.”
