Mississippians urged to increase physical activity amid low compliance
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is encouraging adults and seniors to increase their physical activity levels. The push comes as data shows many Americans fall short of federal guidelines for exercise, including those in Mississippi, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In 2020, only 46.9% of adults aged 18 and older met the CDC’s basic aerobic activity standards, and just 24.2% included muscle-strengthening exercises. The CDC reports these numbers decline with age, with only 13.9% of adults 65 and older meeting both aerobic and strength guidelines. For seniors, the recommended goal is about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, with additional muscle and balance training.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service ran a program called Magnolia Moves earlier this year, encouraging adults to be more active. The six-week campaign involved friendly competitions among counties, with Winston County finishing first. Participants logged a total of 1.4 million minutes of activity, according to the extension service.
Felicia Ball, an E-911 Coordinator from Louisville, participated in the program and reported increased activity at her job. She said the challenge motivated her to walk more and get her steps in, often reaching 7,000 steps by lunchtime. The extension plans to relaunch the challenge in the fall, with Ball already planning to participate again and encourage others to join.
Senior citizens face unique challenges in staying active, but resources are available. Many facilities across Mississippi, including senior centers and gyms, offer affordable classes such as yoga, line dancing, and balance exercises. Programs like SilverSneakers, often covered by health plans, focus on maintaining mobility and strength. Trainer Kay Kammer emphasizes that these classes prioritize safety and functional movement, helping seniors stay independent and socially engaged.
“If you don’t use it, you’re going to lose it,” Kammer said. “People are having fun, making new friends, and staying healthy in these classes.” The programs also include discussions on safety and fall prevention, underscoring their importance for aging populations.
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