The Benefits of Promoting Active Aging During the School Years

By: Zondra Davis, RN

Customizing community based nursing projects to promote physical activity in young children is an excellent way to get future Americans moving towards improved health.

Having a sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease; the three leading causes of death in America (www.cdc.gov).

Physical inactivity diminishes life expectancy not only by predisposing to aging-related diseases but it also negatively influences the aging process itself. Astronomical morbidity rates can be linked to physically inactivate lifestyles. Individuals who get regular exercise enjoy lower rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, and osteoporosis.

The prevalence of overweight children has tripled over the last 20 years (Clark, 2008). Our couch potato culture exacerbated by technology that requires much less activity to accomplish chores, homework, and entertainment has resulted in the swelling of the youngest waistlines. Many obese children, ravaged by depression and ill-health, threaten to be the first generation of Americans to have a lower life expectancy than their parents!

School nurses are in a unique position to promote physically active lifestyles throughout the school years to help youngsters ward off chronic illnesses associated with sedentary lifestyles. Children are impressionable and can reap the benefits of improved self-concept, stress management capacity, and physiological functioning that facilitates coping and optimal development across the lifespan. Comprehensive wellness education beginning in kindergarten can introduce age appropriate fun movement to children as they are taught to appreciate the benefits of lifelong fitness. Including daily fitness instruction into the school curriculum under the direction of conversant school nurses is a great way to develop children’s interest in exercise to ensure more than a good grade in gym; but a good deposit towards an improved quality of life.

School nurses can help to create a generation of Americans who have positive attitudes about aging, and who actively plan for healthy aging (Mcguire & Mefford, 2007).CitationsClark, M.J. (2008). Community health nursing advocacy for population health. 5th ed. Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River: NJMcGuire, SL., Mefford, L (2007) Growing up and growing older. Journal of School Nursing, 23 (2): 80-85.www.cdc.gov/nchs/FASTATS/deaths.htm. Retrieved July 23, 2009

Note: This blog post reflects the work of Zondra Davis RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.