As far as age is concerned, 50 might be the new 40, but if they are not careful, millions of baby boomers across America could be in for unhealthy senior years.

These are some of the findings of the just-released survey that examined lifestyle and health habits of baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964.

The poll, conducted by Associated Press-LifeGoesStrong.com, reports some worrisome statistics: about one-third of the survey respondents are obese, and another 36 percent are overweight. Yet, only half of the obese boomers say they exercise regularly.

“Basically, they are putting themselves at an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes – both of which have strong links to obesity and lack of exercise,” says Israel LoBue, owner of Fit Body Boot Camp in San Diego, CA.

Interestingly enough, when asked what their biggest health concerns are, the responding boomers said medical conditions they fear most are cancer and memory loss.

“Maybe these people don’t know that regular physical activity - at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise most days of the week – could help prevent all those conditions,” LoBue notes.

In fact, studies have shown that people who are physically active and fit will reap numerous health benefits as they get older.

“They will have lower rates of coronary disease, stroke, diabetes, colon and breast cancer, depression, chronic pain, as well as memory loss and mental decline in general,” LoBue says.

For best health-boosting effects, he suggests incorporating these routines into regular workouts:

• The best way to improve your cardiovascular health are exercises that increase heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time. It could be something as simple as jumping rope and doing jumping jacks long enough to keep your heart rate up. Or, you might want to give interval training a try: those high-intensity exercises, which alternate with periods of low-intensity activity or rest, provide a terrific workout for your heart and significant weight loss results to boot.
• People of all ages will benefit from strength training, but older adults really need this workout to build their muscles and maintain healthy weight.
• Balance and flexibility training is especially beneficial to people suffering from (or trying to prevent) chronic joint pain such as arthritis, or the thinning and loss of bone density (osteoporosis). These exercises will not only improve mobility, relieve pains, aches and stiffness, but also help prevent potentially serious fractures due to falls.

“With these kinds of routines included in their regular training, midlifers – and people of all ages – can prevent all kinds of ailments and lead a full, healthy life,” LoBue notes.

ABOUT FIT BODY BOOT CAMP

Launched by fitness expert Israel LoBue in September 2009, Fit Body Boot Camp is a co-ed boot camp fitness program which specializes in the areas of weight loss and body toning. Program details and client testimonials are available at www.socalfitbodybootcamp.com. LoBue, a certified fitness expert with 10 years experience in the fitness industry, can be reached at admin@socalfitbodybootcamp.com or (619)757-9018.