The ability to complete leisure-time activities, physical labor, a recreational sport or a planned exercise session are central to enjoying life. In our youth, we all have a natural urge to run, jump, play and be independent. Later in life, the urge to move and live independently continues, however, a chronic disease or condition can be a barrier to that independence.
“Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both” (Centers for Disease Control, 2022). Chronic diseases are growing at an alarming rate in the U.S., with heart disease, cancer and diabetes as the leading causes of death and disability (CDC, 2022). According to the CDC, 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease and 4 in 10 adults have two or more chronic diseases (CDC, 2022). Individuals of any age who suffer with the burden of a chronic disease or condition may experience limited movement leading to a loss of independence and even depression.
What are the causes?
Many chronic diseases are caused by the lifestyle choices we make including:
- Poor nutrition
- Lack of physical activity
- Excessive alcohol use
- Tobacco use
- Skipping physical exams and preventative screenings
- Excessive stress
You will likely encounter an individual with one or more chronic diseases in your SilverSneakers classes. Therefore, the information included in this course can be applicable to many of your members every time you lead a class. As an instructor, you play an important role in helping each individual use regular physical activity to slow or even reverse the progression of his or her chronic condition(s), therefore improving the participant’s quality of life and independence.
Dr. Mladen Golubic, a lifestyle medicine specialist says, “About 80% of chronic diseases are driven by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.”