IN THE NEWS

In addition, the results have been depicted to the concerned quarters as a cautionary note about providing the right exercise setting for senior citizens, according to University of British Columbia Researcher Mark Beauchamp. His study has found that “A growing body of evidence suggests that a far greater proportion of people actually prefer to exercise alone with some instruction.” The research studied, as avowed, made an extensive study over the behaviors of 947 people, ranging between 30 to 92 in the northern English city of Leeds.
Mark Beauchamp works in UBC’s School of Human Kinetics. While speaking to the newsman he said there is a general note to the researchers where it is found that people of all ages generally prefer to exercise with people their own age, may be for a suitable accompaniment, but in absence of that they may opt and sometimes prefer to go alone. It is said, that the older people are perhaps intimidated by “the Spandex-clad ideal” of which ample references are not heard to remember.

The extensive study has shown the asserted aspects representing the though processes of different age groups in a definite manner. When people between 30s and 40s were asked how they’d feel about exercising with twenty something, they responded positively. However, the same was not for those 50 and up according to the study. Again when people in their 60s and 70s were asked about exercising with those their same age, they reacted positively, while those in the other age groups were more negative about that prospect.

According to Dr. Barbara Resnick, an expert in geriatric exercise and motivation at the University of Maryland School of Nursing the study is a clear indication of the importance of environment in getting older adults to exercise. According to Dr. Resnick, “There are many individuals who enjoy exercising with others, and surveys have confirmed that they enjoy exercising in formats which are Spandex-free and among others their own age and ability level.”