Doing Your Bit To Stay Healthier For Longer
7th March 2016
We all want to be as healthy as possible but are we all doing our bit to achieve it?
Healthier For Longer
Like most people, you’ve probably heard that physical activity and exercise are good for you. In fact, being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Studies have shown that exercise provides many health benefits and that older adults can gain a lot by staying physically active.
Being physically active and exercising can also help you stay strong and fit enough to keep doing the things you love to do. Making exercise and physical activity a regular part of your life can improve your health and help you maintain your independence as you age.
As Active As Possible
Regular physical activity and exercise are important to the physical and mental health of almost everyone. Staying physically active and exercising regularly can produce long-term health benefits and even improve health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities.
That’s why health experts say that older adults should aim to be as active as possible.
Being Inactive Can Be Risky
Although exercise and physical activity are among the healthiest things you can do for yourself, some older adults are reluctant to exercise. Some are afraid that exercise will be too hard or that physical activity will harm them. Others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment. Yet, studies show that “taking it easy” is risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn’t happen just because they’ve aged. It’s usually because they’re not active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalisations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses.
Health Benefits For You
Scientists have found that staying physically active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities. In some cases, exercise is an effective treatment for many chronic conditions. For example, studies show that people with arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes benefit from regular exercise. Exercise also helps people with high blood pressure, balance problems, or difficulty walking.
Enjoying Life
Some people may wonder what the difference is between physical activity and exercise. Physical activities are activities that get your body moving such as gardening, walking the dog and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Exercise is a form of physical activity that is specifically planned, structured, and repetitive such as a Happy Hearts Exercise Club. Including both in your life will provide you with health benefits that can help you feel better and enjoy life more as you age.
Ageing is inevitable but with regular exercise we can keep our bodies in good condition and lead happy and active lives doing the things we love.
