As persons with disabilities age, they may experience increasing difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADL) (i.e., dressing, showering), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (i.e., ambulation, doing laundry, grocery shopping) because their 'fitness reserve' is much lower compared to the general population. Not building high enough fitness levels in youth and young adults could create substantial difficulty in later adulthood. Persons with disabilities often require a certain level of strength to push a wheelchair or ambulate with an assistive aid.

To read this month's column, go to http://www.ncpad.org/813/4199/People~with~Disabilities~Need~to~Start~Out~with~Higher~
Levels~of~Fitness.