What Dr. Michael LeVine prescribes for his patients he also advises for himself.
The Atlanta physician, who will be 65 on Sept. 29, weighs 157 pounds and maintains less than 5 percent body fat.
His blood pressure is good, and his cholesterol is normal.
Although he modestly refrains from touting himself as a role model, he "tactfully suggests" that his patients exercise and lose weight to help fight illness and disease.
"It's easier to ask your patients to lead a healthier lifestyle if you practice what you preach," said LeVine, a gastroenterologist who also links poor diet and inactivity to many of the stomach problems he treats.
According to the American Council on Exercise, regular exercise improves digestion and aids in the management of arthritis and diabetes, reduces the risk of injuries and also strengthens muscles and bones to protect against osteoporosis. It also helps control blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke.
Despite ongoing efforts to increase physical activity among all age groups, less than one-third of adults 50 and over engage in physical activity, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The figure has remained virtually unchanged over the past 10 years; and the number of inactive adults increases as age increases.
"Exercise among aging adults could be construed as irrelevant," said Colin Milner, chief executive officer of the International Council on Active Aging. Many seniors see exercise as something for the elite --- the extremely fit --- but not necessarily for them, he said.
"They are not concerned about training for a triathlon but improving their quality of life and function on a daily basis," Milner said.
Regular exercise keeps the body limber, injury-free and more youthful, according to the exercise council. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking daily can significantly improve the overall health and fitness of most people.
Just ask the doctor.
A former Navy officer, LeVine follows a strict exercise routine that combines aerobic activity with muscular strengthening and flexibility exercises. He works out with a personal trainer, lifts weights and does aerobics. He does 400 sit-ups three times a week, and he rides his bike and plays tennis about three times a week. The running enthusiast jogs 25 miles a week and boasts 30 Peachtree Road Races to his credit.
"What I do may seem obsessive to some," said LeVine, who advises patients to create a program that works according to their needs and lifestyles. He works out in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate a busy work schedule that begins around 7 a.m. each day.
"I wasn't expecting to look like Arnold [Schwarzenegger]," LeVine said of joining a gym 40 years ago. He continues to lift weights to avoid atrophy and "looking skinny and wasted."
In addition to the health benefits he reaps, LeVine said exercise helps keep him grounded and relieves stress.
Still, he jokes, his favorite part of the workout is when it's over. "It's not so much fun while it's going on."
ONLINE: Read the stories of more 55-and-up active adults at ajchomefinder.com/active-adult.
Senior exercise safety tips
> Wear comfortable, well-fitted shoes.
> Avoid outdoor activities in extreme temperatures.
> Drink plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated.
> Listen to your body when determining an appropriate exercise intensity. (Don't base intensity on heart rate if you're on heart-monitoring medication.)
> Be aware of danger signs: pain or pressure in chest, arms, neck or jaw; light-headedness, nausea or weakness; shortness of breath; pain in legs, calves or back.
Source: American Council on Exercise
Making time for exercise
Tips for incorporating more exercise into your daily schedule:
> Stretch your muscles. You can do this while watching television. Stretch to the point of mild tension and hold for 10 to 30 seconds.
> Use what you have. If you don't have weights, use cans of soup or soda.
> Start with the basics. Do sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups.
> Break it up. If you don't have time to devote 20 minutes to prolonged continuous movement, do two 10-minute activities when you get a chance.
> Do what you enjoy. Walking, biking, dancing, swimming, hiking and basketball are all aerobic forms of exercise.
> Make the mall matter. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, and walk for at least 10 minutes without stopping at a store. Also, check with the mall for information on walking groups.
> Play in the dirt. Gardening and yard work involve the use of many muscle groups.
> Stick with it. Whatever you do, make sure you do it consistently.
Source: American Council on Exercise
Copyright 2008 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution