The answer to maintaining one’s physical activity level in independent living communities may come from the night sky, or at least one astronaut currently residing at the International Space Station.
Bob Thirsk is a running enthusiast when he’s not up in space, and Canadian researchers at the University of Wat
erloo are using measurements of the 55-year-old’s fitness to find out how space impacts muscle tone and cardiovascular health, according to the Globe and Mail.
Dr Richard Hughson says that his research is ongoing, but may already benefit seniors who can learn from the extra endurance and strength training that astronauts use to stave off deterioration of muscle and skeletal structure, reported the newspaper.
The Canadian Space Agency has been sponsoring a Get Fit for Space program that lets people of all ages exercise along with Thirsk.
Free pedometers were initially issued for early adopters, but residents of retirement living communities can still follow along with the program for healthy living until the astronaut returns later this fall.
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