PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical activity can best be defined as the movement of muscles that requires spending of energy. Examples of physical activities are walking, running, moving up and down the staircase, doing push-ups and lifting heavy objects. The lack of it is referred to us physical inactivity. Physical activity directly relates to good health. A healthy person would do moderate and vigorous exercises both in a mix. This keeps the blood oxygenated and free-flowing throughout the body. Research has found out that physical activity helps in reducing the occurrence of diseases such as pulmonary disease, cancer, gall bladder disease and diabetes. In the long run, when blood freely flows around the body such diseases can easily be controlled and alternatively early aging avoided.
AGING
In general, aging refers to the changes that occur to the body structure and outlook as a person grows old or matures. Physical changes include grey hair, wrinkled skin and weak joints in the bones. Old people will most likely use a walking stick to support themselves because their bones have lost the strength, the hold, the body straight and firm. Scientists have established that muscles and joints are affected when one grows old. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are common among the aging population. However, the good news is that exercise and physical activity helps significantly to delay the aging process.
WHY DOES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DELAY YOUR AGING PROCESS?
Unconsciously, everyone knows that exercise makes an individual to get fit and easily accomplish tasks that would require a little more energy. Moreover, a seventy year old who exercises will look much fit and flexible than a thirty year old who spends all the time in the couch. Here are some of the scientific proven reasons why physical activity will delay aging
- Good exercise activates the formulation of new neurons (brain cells). This also strengthens the connection amongst the neurons. When an individual exercises, memory and learning sectors in the brain are stimulated. For this reason, symptoms of aging like memory loss will take a little longer before they show up. Physical activity will naturally therefore improve one’s cognitive performance. For example, it has been found that adults who regularly practice would have better problem-solving skills.
- Physical exercise also help in burning out excess cholesterol in the system and converts fats into usable forms of energy within the muscles. Therefore, risks such as high blood pressure and wrinkles can be avoided.
- Muscle strength greatly improves and body fat is reduced during physical activity. This state makes a person to be stronger and with a younger physical look.
- A physically active person will also have a high bone density. Regular exercise enhances bone formation and reduces osteoporosis (a disease that is caused by bone loss because of aging).
For the reasons listed above, it is vital that we keep healthy and younger by having enough physical activity.
It is absolutely important that despite regular exercise, an elderly person should get an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to full cater for medical expenses.
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