Download What are the benefits of physical activity?

The benefits of physical activity
Promote a positive image of Activity.
We want people to love being active.
Physical activity enables a person to flourish. They will have more energy
and vitality. It may even give them a higher resilience.
Physical activity enriches lives and extends a person’s capabilities.
Physical activity is a valuable resource which conditions the body or
restores the body’s capacity to enable people to participate more effectively
in a wide range of enriching activities.
People tend to recover more quickly from major illness, stress and hospital
treatment if they have been physically active. 1
What are the benefits of physical activity?
A significant area of concern for older people is loss of independence.
Regular physical activity and attaining a reasonable degree of physical
fitness will help an older person meet the demands of their daily routine. It
is never too late to start. The human body responds to physical activity no
matter what its age and there is a range of physical, psychological and
social benefits.
Potential physical benefits
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Longer life span.
Improved walking ability
Improved balance and coordination.
Reduction in accidental falls.
Enhancement of the immune system.
Weight control and management.
Improved sleep quality.
Improvement of fitness related to mobility and independence.
1 Active for later life, Len Almond BHF National Centre for physical Activity and Health, Loughborough
University
Invisible health gains
 Reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and
some cancers.
 Improves insulin sensitivity.
 Improves lipid profile
 Improves brain structure and functioning.
 Reduction and control of high blood pressure.
 Improved strength in a variety of neurological disorders.
 Prevention of post menopausal osteoporosis.
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Potential psychological benefits
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Promotion of good mental health.
Reduction in stress, anxiety and overall well-being.
Reduction in symptoms of depression.
Lifts your mood and helps you feel good.
Improvements in self-esteem.
Positive perceptions of health.
Decreases pain.
Improved aspects of cognitive/ brain function.
Potential social benefits
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Empowerment.
Enhanced social integration.
Formation of new friendships.
Widening of social networks.
Enhanced intergenerational activity between different age groups.
Promotion of a more positive and active image of older people.
Maintenance of caring skills.
Provide opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
A chance to let off stream and have fun.
“Physical activity: you can do this at any age whether or not you have
you have been active or not in the past”