In 1996 the World Health Organisation (WHO) set down the Heidelberg Guidelines for Promoting Physical Activity among Older Persons.
Since health is defined as a balance of physical, psychological and social capabilities, it is obvious that the benefits of physical activity can also be categorised in the same way.
Did you know that physical activity can also improve cognitive skills such as concentration, memory and reaction time?
There are further benefits to society if you are physically active - such as reduced health-care costs, enhanced productivity, and the promotion of positive and active images of older persons.
Physiological benefits Short term - regulation of blood glucose levels
- stimulation of adrenalin and noradrenalin
- sleep quality and quantity enhanced
- improved blood lipid profile
Long term - substantial improvements in all aspects of cardiovascular functioning
- improvements in muscle strength
- preservation and restoration of flexibility
- prevent and/or postpone the age-associated declines in balance & coordination
- postpone the behavioural slowing in the velocity of movement
- reduced arthritic pain
- improved lean body weight
- improved bone density
- improved gastrointestinal transit time (proven link to reduced colon cancer)
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Psychological benefits Short term - enhances relaxation
- reduces stress and anxiety
- enhances mood state
- enhanced sense of vigour and vitality
Long term - general well-being ; improvements in almost all aspects of psychological functioning are observed
- reductions in the rate and/or severity of mental illnesses such as depression
- improve cognitive decisions and reaction time
- prevent and/or postpone declines in motor control (fine and gross movements)
- new skills can be learned, increasing self-efficacy and self-confidence
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Social benefits Short term Long term - active individuals are less likely to withdraw from society and more likely to contribute
- formation of new friendships
- widened social networks
- enhanced intergenerational activity diminishing stereotypical perceptions about ageing and physical activity
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Use it or lose it - nothing is more precious to us than our health
By the time they reach the age of 70 -74, half of all people find it difficult to climb stairs easily. Moving to a bungalow is not the answer as leg strength will decline further.
Any part of your body if left idle is liable to disease and ageing more quickly. For older people, regular participation in a moderate physical activity programme should result in enough flexibility to tie shoelaces, dress, bathe, provide sufficient strength to take care of household duties and supply enough energy to enjoy meaningful free time.
02/06/2009
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A home workout for busy people! Our compact electronic unit can be worn under your clothing whilst you go about your daily tasks, or you can lie back and relax, effortlessly exercising or just soothing tired muscles.
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