- Longevity – All physical exercise and activity is designed to increase length of life as well as improving quality of life.
- Physical Fitness – A set of attributes that relates to one’s ability to perform physical activity.
- Physical Activity – Any activity resulting in an increase in overall calorific expenditure.
- Health-related Physical Activity – Components of physical fitness that are associated with some of the aspects of good health and or disease prevention.
- Exercise – Physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive and purposeful.
- Additional factors – strength, endurance, stamina, speed, motor skills, agility, co-ordination, equilibrium, power and mental well-being.
So, what do you think is important for Joan and her needs?
The above sounds complicated. Move more, sit less is the answer.
Other benefits of physical activity on health include:
- Reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD)
- Improved weight control
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and mild to moderate depression
- Beneficial effects on the prevention and control of hypotension, diabetes, osteoporosis and certain psychiatric and psychological conditions.
- Help with reducing blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure.
- Reduced risk of dying prematurely
- Reduced risk of developing diabetes
- Reduced risk of developing colon cancer
- Reduced tendency towards depression and anxiety
- Help with building and maintaining healthy bones, muscles and joints.
- Help with, in older adults, becoming stronger and better able to move about without falling
- Improved psychological well-being
NOTE: Although there is a slight increased risk of sudden death during vigorous physical activity, this is mitigated by the overall reduce risk of Coronary Heart Disease.