An 80-year-old healthy male sees the nurse practitioner at the doctor's office.He states,"I sit around a lot and now I notice my legs seem to get tired when I walk." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "You don't have as good circulation as you did when you were younger. Be sure you take rests."
B) "How do you feel about joining a regular exercise program at the senior center?"
C) "You will need to speak to the doctor about this."
D) "Have you thought about using a cane or walker?"

The most appropriate response by the nurse in this item is to address the fact that weakness that is most likely the result of a sedentary lifestyle.The developmental challenge of middle-old persons is an increasingly solitary,sedentary lifestyle.This age group spends one-fourth of their leisure time in the solitary activities of reading,relaxing,and thinking.They spend only 3% of their time participating in sports,exercise,and recreation.Adapted Physical Activity (APA)programs are group exercise programs designed for persons with chronic illnesses; however,senior centers are beginning to offer APA programs as they update their programming and prepare for the active baby boomer generation.Some health and fitness facilities may also offer senior heath programs.Responding to this man with a comment regarding his age is ageism.A cane or walker may not be indicated if the man can begin an exercise program,as this item is suggesting a problem with sedentary lifestyle.