Twenty five percent of our population is currently between 45 and 65 years old. That accounts for approximately 10.4 million people in Canada. 1/2 are diagnosed with 3 or more health conditions. In 2010-11 there were 93,446 hip/knee replacements in Canada. Over 40% of this total were for the 45-64 year old age bracket. Peak prevalence of back pain tends to be from 50-60 years of age but common
onset of back pain tends to be at 45. This definitely effects their performance and therefore their mood. I have seen many clients be depressed and isolated because they haven’t been able to continue social activities they love such as baseball, golf and gardening. Pre-hab is the same exercises performed to prevent this type of problem. Twenty percent of the population is suffering from shoulder pain. Most frequently begins from 45-65 years old. This population has been virtually ignored at the gym. We have group classes for the over sixty five but no group classes that improve joint strength, improve performance, accommodate the hip replacement client, the knee replacement client, clients with back problems. This type of client will fall behind when placed in traditional group classes. We are not making clients healthier, we are setting them up for injury. Preventing, delaying or reducing the severity of chronic conditions will help to enhance the quality of life for our members and ease demand on the health care system. It is time for health clubs/gyms to recognize this and start to address this pressing need. We can improve the quality of life for our aging population and the time is now.
