The scripts are available for printing and for sound bite identification.

Go to http://www.wichita.edu/newsline to get the current Wichita State University Newsline. If you cannot access the Newsline at the Web address above, contact Joe Kleinsasser at (316) 978-3013 or cell (316) 204-8266 or joe.kleinsasser@wichita.edu. Newsline cuts may be edited to suit your needs.

If you have additional questions for Ruth Bohlken after listening to the WSU Newsline, please call her at (316) 978-5150 or ruth.bohlken@wichita.edu.

Background:

If you need proof that exercise is the key to healthy aging, look no further than fitness classes led by fitness and aging expert Ruth Bohlken at Wichita State University. In spring 2010, seven students in WSU's Center for Physical Activity and Aging fitness class were older than 90. Bohlken comments on the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle as we age.

Voice wrap:

Announcer: As we grow older, leading an active lifestyle is more important than ever. For the elderly, regular exercise helps them maintain health, boost energy and improve confidence. Ruth Bohlken, director of the Center for Physical Activity and Aging at Wichita State University, has conducted research in the area of muscular strength and balance.

Bohlken: "So as we age, our bodies will change physiologically, and by focusing on strengthening, flexibility, cardiovascular, we can improve or retard some of that aging process."

Announcer: Knee replacements, low blood pressure and hip fractures haven't stopped the older-than-90 crowd from participating in Wichita State's personal fitness courses. In fact, seven participants in Bohlken's early morning fitness class in spring were older than 90. This is Joe Kleinsasser at Wichita State University.

Sound bite #1

Bohlken says research shows that working out can improve muscular strength and balance. The sound bite is 9 seconds and the outcue is "risk for falling."

Bohlken: "Through research here, we've been able to identify factors — muscular strength, practicing on balance — to reduce our risk for falling."

Sound bite #2

Bohlken says she has seen the benefits of exercise in aging adults firsthand. The sound bite is 14 seconds and the outcue is "that we have here."

Bohlken: "I've been involved with this program for the last 15 years, and some of the older adults have been with this program longer, so I think that seeing their age and what they're capable of is reflective of the program that we have here."

Sound bite #3

Bohlken explains what causes some of her elderly students to attend the fitness class. The sound bite is 12 seconds and the outcue is "is easier."

Bohlken: "I think why these people continue to come here — No. 1, the exercise is very specific to them. It's geared for improving functional fitness, so their day-to-day activity is easier."

Sound bite #4

Bohlken says the challenge is keeping people motivated to exercise. The sound bite is 21 seconds and the outcue is "without exercise."

Bohlken: "Motivation is a challenge, it's a huge challenge. We have people that start exercising, but they don't continue. How do we get people to continue to exercise and making that time, making it a habit. It's a lifetime commitment. I had a participant tell me once, 'You wouldn't go a day without brushing your teeth, so you wouldn't go a day without exercise.'"

Sound bite #5

Bohlken says we may have to tweak our exercise programs as we age. The sound bite is 19 seconds and the outcue is "that's OK."

Bohlken: "As we age, our exercise programs may need to be tweaked. We have to change that, but it should be geared more towards functional fitness, allowing us to go to the grocery store, drive the car, play with our grandchildren and designing programs so that we can do that. We may have to back off, and that's OK.