Lifestyle
Cycling can make seniors healthier and more independent − here’s how to design bikes and networks that meet their needs
Seniors are increasingly interested in cycling. Research identifies senior-friendly bike designs and infrastructure improvement needs to enhance physical activity and independence among older adults.
Most senior citizens get around in their daily lives by driving, walking or using public buses and subways. But many people in their 60s and 70s could potentially be interested in other options, such as cycling. At a time when cycling is growing in the U.S. and the overall population is aging, seniors’ preferences for bike designs and bike networks are very relevant.
Older people may have concerns about riding a two-wheeled bike if they are afraid of falling – a risk that increases with age and causes many seniors to become less active. Many cities and communities are working to create safer bike networks, but these are designed for young, physically fit bikers, who are less afraid to bike near cars and don’t need an occasional bathroom break.
Some seniors live in assisted living complexes or memory care facilities that have roads, sidewalks and paths for residents pushing walkers. However, these complexes don’t usually have bike storage rooms, bike loops or safe bike pathways to local parks and stores.
I am a researcher in architecture – with a focus on environment and behavior – and a senior, and I have studied bikes and bike networks for over 43 years. In my latest project, I worked with Seth Gale, a behavioral neurologist; Linda Mazie, a health and wellness coach who works with seniors; and Heidi Savage, a fitness director who also works with seniors, to learn from older people what kinds of bicycles and bike networks would help them stay active and independent through cycling. https://www.youtube.com/embed/vrrzFnzYUXI?wmode=transparent&start=0 In the Netherlands, where many people of all ages routinely ride bikes, local officials take a tour with older riders to identify spots that seniors find particularly unsafe on their route.
We found that a majority of the seniors whom we surveyed and who test-rode three bikes preferred a three-wheeled adult tricycle or a two-seat model that lets riders sit side by side. For infrastructure, their key requirements included bike loops, separation from cars and nearby bathrooms.
Benefits of biking for seniors
Many older people in the U.S. don’t get enough physical activity for healthy aging. A 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than one-fourth of all adults over 50 did not engage in any physical activity outside of work. This share increased with age and was higher among people with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and depression. Inactivity was significantly higher among women than men, and among Black and Hispanic seniors compared with white seniors.
Biking provides many health benefits, including cardiovascular exercise, stronger muscles, better coordination and lower stress levels. It also offers benefits that are particularly relevant for seniors. For example, one study found that cycling for at least one hour per week significantly improved older people’s balance, potentially making them less vulnerable to falls.
There also are findings suggesting that exercise may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. For example, one study showed that when mice exercised on a wheel, their muscles produced irisin, a hormone that supports cognitive function. The irisin passed into their brain, improving memory and spatial awareness.
Senior-friendly bikes
For our study, we distributed surveys with pictures of senior-friendly bikes and questions about bike networks to 178 seniors in four senior communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Participants ranked the pictures according to how well they liked the various bike designs and offered more comments while seeing the pictures on a large screen.
We also borrowed three senior-friendly bikes made by Van Raam, a Dutch company that designs bikes for a wide range of special needs. These models included:
- A three-wheeled bike for side-by-side riders who each have handlebars and who can pedal together while one steers.
- An adult tricycle with a back rest and low center of gravity.
- A two-wheeled bike with a low center bar that makes it easy to step through when getting on or off.
Fifty seniors at RiverWoods-Exeter, a senior living complex in New Hampshire, and Fox Hill Village, an independent living community for seniors in Westwood, Massachusetts, were invited to test-ride the three models and complete a survey about their experiences.
Designing bike networks for older riders
Based on photos, participants were most enthusiastic about the adult tricycle and also were interested in the two-seat three-wheeler. Adult tricycles are harder to pedal than bikes with two wheels, and rounding corners involves turning the handlebars without leaning, so these models have a learning curve. However, they offer stability, which clearly was important to the people in our study.
Among seniors who did test rides, the most popular model was the single-seat three-wheeled bike. Unlike a low recumbent bicycle, this bike’s seat is about as high as a chair, and unlike an adult tricycle, it has a back rest.
Participants’ second choice was the three-wheeled two-seater bike, which has seats with backs, arm rests and seat belts. Fewer participants were willing to test-ride the two-wheeled regular bike with a low center bar; those who tried it were already comfortable riding two-wheeled bikes.
Comments were enthusiastic, especially for the two-seater bike. Seniors wrote, “I like the social aspect and teamwork”; “I see this as an asset to our community”; and, simply, “Awesome!!!”
Some noted that the two-seater could work for seniors who were caregivers for their spouses. One husband wrote, “This would be great to ride with my wife, who hasn’t ridden a bike for 50 years.”
In response to survey questions about the most important features of a senior-friendly bike network, participants said they wanted to be able to bike for 30 minutes at a stretch, ride twice a week and have a bathroom available.
For a network added to their assisted living complexes, they wanted a cycling loop on-site; a route to a destination outside the complex; a smooth, flat riding surface with grass shoulders; and picnic tables and water nearby. Participants felt that cars traveled too fast in their residential complexes, so they wanted to ride on separated paths rather than on existing roads.
Our findings echo other studies that have shown that senior cyclists want to ride in protected bike lanes or separate paved paths, rather than in street traffic. Because many seniors have limited vision, another feature that can make bike paths safer for them is light-colored demarcation strips at the edges of the path to help older riders avoid veering off the main cycle path, especially at night.
Pedaling ahead
Here are the key steps that I believe would be required to develop findings like ours into scalable bicycling programs for seniors in the U.S.
Some seniors might appreciate having classes to relearn how to ride a two-wheeled bike, or to ride with another person on a two-seater model. Assisted living complexes could install bike storage sheds and buy several senior-friendly bikes for residents to ride.
Protected bike lanes could be made more senior-friendly by building them level with the adjoining sidewalk, so that a third wheel could rest on the edge of the parallel sidewalk. Lanes optimized for senior riders would be continuous and have bicycle traffic signals, raised crosswalks and nearby public bathrooms with signs leading to them.
Routes could run from residential neighborhoods to destinations such as coffee shops, post offices, grocery and drugstores, and parks. Destinations could provide space to park and lock the bikes while riders shopped or had coffee.
The U.S. has an aging population, and seniors’ health is an important concern for seniors themselves, their caregivers and taxpayers. There is strong evidence that increased bicycle use by seniors could help many people live healthier and more independent lives well into their golden years.
Anne Lusk, Lecturer in Urban Agriculture, Boston University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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sports and fitness
Altea Ottawa, Canada’s Largest Premium Fitness and Wellness Club, opens its doors in Ottawa!
OTTAWA, ON. /CNW/ – Altea Ottawa is thrilled to announce its doors are now open to the public! Located at 1660 Carling Avenue, this impressive 129,000-square-foot flagship club sets a new standard in fitness, wellness, and community spaces in the national capital region.
Altea Ottawa redefines the fitness experience by offering a wide variety of boutique fitness classes, 6 indoor pickleball courts and premium wellness amenities.
It offers an extensive range of premium fitness and wellness offerings, including a one-of-a-kind Hot Yoga Studio, a theatre-style Cycle Studio, a Boxing Studio, a Fusion Studio offering Barre and Mat Pilates, two LF3 Functional Strength & HIIT Training Studios, a Reformer Pilates Studio, a Signature Studio offering multiple high-energy Strength, Metcon and HIIT formats, as well as an exclusive Women’s Only Fitness Suite and a Recovery Lounge. The club will expand in Spring 2025 with the opening of a state-of-the-art Aquatic Centre featuring a 25-metre lap pool, luxury hot tub, and children’s pool.
Additional highlights of the new Altea Ottawa include:
– Over 350 classes offered weekly across 9 Boutique Fiùtness Studios
– An impressive six-court indoor Pickleball Club
– Supervised on-site childcare
– Smoothie bar and full-service Starbucks
“We’ve been blown away by the public’s interest in Altea. We are excited to offer a premium fitness and wellness experience that is unique and unmatched,” said Jeff York, CEO of Altea Active. “Ottawa residents are clearly ready to embrace our purpose-driven spaces that seamlessly blend fitness, wellness, and community.”
Thousands of people have already signed up as Founding Members, and nearly 200 part-time and full-time employees have been hired to join the team at Altea Ottawa.
“We’ve built a strong team that is eager to deliver on our promise of delivering the best premium fitness and wellness experiences” continued York. “Because of the club’s size, amenities and unique blend of personal training and boutique fitness classes, we are able to offer personal trainers and fitness instructors stable full-time employment in one facility doing what they love- helping people. This opportunity is truly unique and will benefit our members and team tremendously as we build a team of bought-in, passionate and hardworking individuals.”
Altea Ottawa joins Altea’s portfolio of clubs across Canada, with existing locations in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Vancouver. Known for its commitment to creating welcoming and empowering spaces, Altea combines industry-leading fitness and wellness experiences with amenities that support social, family, and community well-being designed to drive value and convenience for Canadians.
For more information about Altea Ottawa and to join, visit http://www.alteaactive.com.
Related information:
- Altea Ottawa Announces Plans to Hire 200 Ahead of Launch for New Flagship Fitness and Wellness Club
- Premium fitness & wellness brand announces appointment of Jeff York as CEO of Altea
About Altea:
Founded by a team of fitness industry veterans, and quickly emerging as one of Canada’s premier health and wellness brands, Altea is changing the face of Canadian health and fitness by balancing the most important aspects of our lives – community, family, and mental, physical, and social well-being.
Altea currently features a state-of-the-art 80,000-square-foot facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba (opened November 2019), an 89,000-square-foot social wellness club in Toronto’s Liberty Village neighbourhood (opened March 2022), and a 43,000-square-foot location in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant community (opened November 2023). In 2025, Altea is planning to open a new Avant by Altea location in Yorkville, featuring personalized results-driven concierge service and high-end amenities to all members. Visit alteaactive.com for more information.
SOURCE Altea Active
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/
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In early November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Class II recall concerning Hannaford Seafood Salads, affecting over 1,600 units across five states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. The recall, initiated on October 31, was due to a mislabeling incident that poses a significant risk to consumers with soy allergies.
Understanding the Class II Risk Level
The FDA has classified this recall as a Class II risk, indicating that exposure to the affected products may cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” However, the risk of experiencing serious health consequences remains “remote.” Despite this classification, consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy must take this recall seriously, as they could face life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the mislabeled salads.
What Happened?
The problem arose when the printer responsible for the salad labels provided Elevation Foods, the manufacturer of the salads, with labels that did not accurately reflect the current product formulation. Instead of the correct labels, the printer mistakenly issued labels meant for an upcoming formulation change. As a result, the affected salads may contain undeclared hydrolyzed soy protein, a known allergen that must be clearly stated on product labels to protect consumer safety.
Product Details
The implicated Hannaford Seafood Salads were distributed between October 25 and 29, and they feature use-by dates of November 13 and 14. Consumers can find these dates printed on the lid of the containers. Following the recall announcement, all affected products were promptly removed from store shelves.
Health Risks Associated with Soy Allergies
For individuals with soy allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies soy proteins as harmful invaders, leading to a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. Common reactions include stomach issues, coughing, itching, wheezing, vomiting, hives, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, these reactions can escalate to life-threatening conditions, such as anaphylaxis.
To mitigate risks, those with soy allergies are advised to carry an epinephrine injection (Epi-Pen) to counteract severe allergic reactions swiftly.
What Should Consumers Do?
Customers who purchased Hannaford Seafood Salads before the recall are urged not to consume the products. Instead, they can return them to the store where they made the purchase for a full refund. Elevation Foods has not reported any known cases of illness related to these salads, but consumer safety remains a top priority.
Conclusion
This seafood salad recall serves as a crucial reminder about the importance of accurate labeling, especially when it comes to potential allergens. Consumers should remain vigilant and informed about the products they purchase, particularly if they have food allergies. Stay safe and always check your labels!
Related Links:
https://www.newsweek.com/seafood-salad-recall-update-fda-risk-level-hannaford-1992294
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Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
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(Family Features) While diabetes gets a lot of attention, people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) are frequently overlooked when drug companies develop new medications.
Type 1 Diabetes
“People with T1D and chronic kidney disease, or CKD, face significantly higher risks of morbidity and mortality if they are unable to control their blood sugar levels,” said Steve Edelman, MD, an endocrinologist and the founder and director of Taking Control Of Your Diabetes, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating and motivating people living with diabetes. “They are challenged to do this relying solely on insulin, which is extremely difficult and is the principal therapy for people with T1D.”
An estimated 1.7 million adult Americans have T1D, with approximately 21%, or 360,000, also affected by CKD, according to the CDC National Diabetes Statistics Report 2024. Without effective glycemic control (managing blood sugar) and other important preventative measures, patients with T1D are at a 10 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a six-fold greater risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease, a four times greater risk of heart failure and a 2-5 times greater risk of all-cause mortality.
Consider this information to better understand the challenges and risks of complications these patients face.
Challenges with Current Treatments Impact Patients’ Ability to Reach Glycemic Goals
Diabetes management aims to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, retinopathy, neuropathy and other complications, in part by improving glycemic control while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Currently, Americans with T1D have limited therapeutic options, relying almost exclusively on insulin. There are no oral agents to improve glycemia in adults with T1D. Despite advances in insulin therapy and glucose monitoring, most people with T1D do not meet glycemic control target levels with insulin alone. One measure of glycemic control is a number known as A1C, which is a measure of glucose control over the past 2-3 months.
The goal is to help patients achieve the guideline-recommended target of an A1C below 7% and improve their time-in-range, which represents an established metric that translates into clinically meaningful benefits for patients.
Reaching Glycemic Goals Are Key to Reducing Risk of Further Complications
By achieving glycemic control, kidney function can be stabilized, long-term disease progression mitigated and the morbidity and mortality that the cardiorenal burden puts on patients with T1D and CKD reduced.
Today, it is estimated only 23% of people with T1D achieve an A1C of less than 7%, according to research from the American Diabetes Association, and about 50% have an A1C greater than 8%. Patients who do not achieve A1C targets remain at significantly greater risk of complications associated with their condition.
“Relying solely on insulin can negatively affect a patient’s glucose control and quality of life,” said Dr. Edelman. “Doctors and patients need an oral agent to improve glycemic control in people with T1D and CKD. Therefore, we need therapeutic options that improve glycemic control and reduce their risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular comorbidities.”
Visit TCOYD.org to learn more about living with T1D and advocating for additional therapeutic options.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
SOURCE:
Taking Care of Your Diabetes
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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