Physical exercise helps reduce the effects of ageing and provide benefits in different functions. There are no age limits for exercise with many positives including the increase in tone, muscle mass and strength; the improvement of the conditions and efficiency of blood flow and respiration; the decrease in blood pressure; the prevention of arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia and osteoporosis; help in the control of diabetes; as well as the improvement in flexibility, balance and joint mobility.
In the socio-psychological aspect, exercise improves mood, decreases depression and anxiety, increases vigor, raises self-esteem and body image, offers opportunities for distraction and social interaction and helps improve coping with stress.
By improving the functional state, exercise allows maintaining personal independence leading to a reduction in the demands of chronic or acute medical services and in short improves the quality of life.
WHO experts point out that the benefits of physical exercise disappear from the body seventy-two hours after it has been carried out, hence the importance of regular and continuous practice.
WHO highlights other advantages of physical exercise, such as reducing violence among young people or risky behaviours such as drug use as well as improving both physical and mental agility of the elderly and helping these people to fight the feeling of loneliness.
For children, exercise is an essential way to develop coordination and ensure good bone, muscle and joint development, as well as heart and lung function.
Exercise increases the production of chemical substances that encourage the development of neurones and new connections between them, while promoting the growth of blood vessels that nourish existing structures.
Benefits of Physical Exercise
- Improves physical activity
- Increases vitality and energy
- Strengthens bone and muscle structure
- Improves the immune system
- Delays & prevents chronic diseases
- Prevents the decrease of the motor response
- Control body weight
- Reduces stress, anxiety and depression
- Provides more opportunities to interact and meet with other people
- Promotes the independent life of the elderly.
It is necessary to devote a space of daily time to physical activity regardless of where we are since the body will thank you in the end.