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physical activity benefits for older adults essay
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It is well documented that regular physical activity is known to decrease the prevention of illnesses and increase the health of the individual. Engaging in regular physical activity is important in old age; as people get older, their bones get weaker depending on the amount of physical activity they take part in, such as the elderly for example most elderly people move into residential homes because they cannot look after themselves to the full extent that is required, from there on this is where carers are brought in and fitness instructors to help the people living in the residence. This essay will discuss the importance of physical activity and how it benefits people’s mental health such as the elderly. (The Effects of Exercise in the Elderly, October 18th 2008) The benefits of exercise are shown in many cases such as, activities involving movement which strengthen muscles and bones, for example; walking on the spot improves the functioning of the lungs and heart, gets the blood flowing in the body also and loosens the muscles. Physical activity is great for the elderly people’s minds, it keeps them concentrated for example in some residential homes fitness instructors or carers play games with the elderly such as passing the ball around the room or pass around beanbags as they are a lot softer. Other activities involve getting up and just walking around the room for maybe thirty to sixty seconds. This benefits the elderly simple because it helps increase bone density by using their muscles and it also helps maintain brain function and a healthy mind. Research has shown that physical activity can be of benefit to an older person’s mental health; for example, a study of women from the age of seventy onwards ... ... middle of paper ... ... risk of falling and fracturing bones this is very beneficial to the elderly simply because their bones become weaker the older they get and some tasks become harder. Exercise benefits the elderly in many ways as said earlier it helps maintain a healthy mind and increase muscle strength. References (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.alz.co.uk/research/files/WorldAlzheimerReport.pdf (2007, September). Retrieved November 2013, from Fit For Life: http://fitforlife.ie/index.php/services/nursing-home-daycare-services/fit-for-life-groupexercise-therapy-session/ (1999). Older Adults. Historical Document. Retrieved November 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/olderad.htm (2009). The Alzeimers Report. London. Retrieved November 2013, from http://www.alz.co.uk/research/files/WorldAlzheimerReport.pdf
...als overall well being, and can help with many other health conditions. The benefits of regular physical activity: lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, lowers risk of heart disease and stroke, burns calories to help lose or maintain weight, increase energy for daily activities, help sleep better, relieves stress, strengthens heart and improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles and bones, keeps joints flexible, improves balance to prevent falls, and reduces symptoms of depression and improves quality of live (American Diabetes Association, 2013).
Kim, Y. S., Park, Y. S., Allegrante, J. P., Marks, R., Ok, H., Ok Cho, K., & Garber, C. E. 2012 Relationship between physical activity and general mental health. Preventive Medicine 55(5), 458-463.
A study conducted by Dimeo et al (2001), which evaluated the short-term effects of a training programme on patients with moderate to severe major depression, where twelve patients, with a mean age of 49, five men, seven women, with a major depressive episode according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Society of Psychiatry criteria participated. The mean duration of their depressive episodes were 35 weeks (range12–96). Training consisted of walking on a treadmill following an interval training pattern and was carried out for 30 minutes a day for 10 days. At the end of the training programme, there was a clinically relevant and statistically significant reduction in depression scores (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression: before, 19.5 (3.3); after, 13 (5.5); p = 0.002. Self-assessed intensity of symptoms: before, 23.2 (7); after, 17.7 (8.1); p = 0.006. Values are mean (SD)). Subjective and objective changes in depression scores correlated strongly (r = 0.66, p = 0.01). Proving even within the short time of 10 days, aerobic exercise can produce substantial improvement in mood in patients with depressive disorders. (Dimeo et al,
Let us come to terms with the truth that exercise is used mainly to alter our physical appearance. The term exercise has developed many different meanings and uses. Some use it to reach physical goals, some exercise to just become healthy, and some even use exercise as medication for whatever health reasons be it physical or psychological. For example, exercise has been suggested as an effective adjunctive treatment for a range of mental health conditions (Faulkner, G., & Biddle, S., 2001). It’s clear that exercise, with dedication and consistency can bring about physical change—but is that all it offers? So the question stands, does exercise not only improve physical health, but overall mental health as well?
There are many benefits of exercise on the human body, not only physical, but mental. Research has proved that exercise can benefit your mental health and your ability to learn. Exercise has many positive effects on patients suffering from a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain called serotonin, which is a mood booster. The chemical can combat depression and help alleviate some of the symptoms that come with it. Exercise is shown to alleviate 25 different medical conditions, whether through secondary or direct benefits, such as Alzheimer’s. People who exercise are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than ones who don’t because exercise releases chemicals in the brain that support the healthy growth of neurons. Exercise can also serve as a mental “buffer” against problems such as stress, which prevents further problems like depression. This creates a mental resistance to outside forces, which aid in day to day life. Exercise can also help in education. Studies show that schools with academic programs that lack physical education perform worse than ones that have a more robust system. Majority of research indicates that replacing some academic periods with physical education results in higher academic achievement for students and improved concentration and focus. Exercise is shown to increase circulation and blood flow to the brain which increases cognitive function and the efficiency of the brain, having a profound impact on the human body and its ability to function efficiently. Exercise also engages the prefrontal cortex and stimulates it, which is responsible for complex thought and problem solving. This is proven to increase creativity, concentration and test scores. Stu...
Fatigue, decreased mobility and impaired balance from the rheumatoid and osteoarthritis pain also increases the risk of falls (Stanmore et al., 2013). Age related changes such as sarcopenia causes muscle tone and strength to decrease, especially in the lower limbs and as a result, balance and gait become impaired (Culross, 2008). These factors significantly influence the risk of falls and also affect the ability to carry out daily activities therefore, with a physiotherapists assistance, the nurse could introduce a personalised exercise regime to enhance muscle tone and strength (Culross, 2008). According to Neuberger et al (1997), exercise lessens fatigue and improves muscle tone and balance in older people. Recommending an exercise programme for Mrs Jones that incorporates strength training exercises and aerobics, could potentially improve muscle tone and strength and as a result improve mobility, balance and lessen the risk of falls (Bird, Pittaway, Cuisick, Rattray & Ahuja, 2013). The nurse could also suggest safety precautions such as advising Mrs Jones to use a mobility aid (Gooberman-Hill & Ebrahim,
The energy consumption by exercise led to the decrease of depression (Moreau, 2001), at the same time, it shown the different extent between children and adults that adults was more obvious than children. However, in another research did by Camacho et al. (1991), it argued that physical exercise had not linear relationship with the depression after more than 10 years. Moreover, another factor was certified by Petruzzello etal. (1991) that exercise, especially aerobic exercise like running can moderately release state and trait anxiety but had no obvious effect on the complex mental task or public
Active ageing does not stop when elderly people retire as they can remain active through their families, peers and communities. Active ageing aims allows elderly people to realise and bring awareness to their own psychological, physical and mental well-being as the goal active ageing is the autonomy and independence of elderly people (Alexandre, Cordeiro, & Ramos, 2009).
All over the world, it is believed that physical exercises help people achieve wellness. Physical exercise not only encourages physical wellness but also have a significant impact on mental stability and health. Although such positive believes stand, many benefits of physical activity has lost value overtime, as people nowadays have the tendency to rely on modern technologies and machineries, which are believe to make life easier. This often leads to shortage of physical activity and over sometime both physical and mental health will deteriorate. This argumentative essay, will explain how engaging in physical exercises improve one’s mental health.
I believe that physical activity will improve one's health in two aspects – the physical state of one's body, and the mental health of the individual, both of which are crucial in maintaining the well-being of a person, and taps onto other domains mentioned in the Healthy Lifestyle Index Report (such as BMI, sleep, stress and depression).
Ageing is a common process in life. With ageing, functional capabilities deteriorate and lead to major risk in health. So for older people, keeping them physically active is an important role in their healthy ageing. This will help them to maintain their independence and value their life as long as they live. Engaging in physical activity will reduce the risk of chronic conditions and improve the state of mind and well being. Being physically active by participating in regular physical activities has a major health advantage which has been well documented. Despite the advantage of day to day physical activity a large number of older people go ahead with their inactive way of life. This study was conducted in older people who live in LTC about their barriers in performing the physical activity. In 2007, WHO urged the researchers to conduct a study on the reasons of physical inactivity in older adults. This study was able to improve patient outcomes due to the fact that older people are aware of the importance of keeping themselves active and having a meaningful, healthy ageing life.
Equally, It is reported by a National Institute of Mental Health (n.d) panel that regular exercise can have a positive influence on anxiety and depression (Salmon, 2001). Similarly, Berman (2003) in Preventive Medicine magazine give more support to the link between regular exercise, anxiety, depression and personality. What is more, Atlantis and Kirby (2004) indicated that regular exercise can effectively improve mental health and enhance quality of life. These experts all suggest that regular physical activity could help relieving anxiety and depression, it also proves that regular exercise brings positive effect on mental health.
Physical fitness have numerous benefits including muscle strength, muscular endurance, brain activity, preventing obesity and lowering risk or major body problems. Reduces gaining weight, improves losing weight and less likely to have accidents later in life. Also improves ones lifespan, living a healthier life and improves sleeping. Physical activity helps reduce ones stress, anxiety, and depression also improves over all life. A half hour or so of physical activity daily can yield benefits. Also can improve ones flexibility (Brezina), which can effe...
Exercising helps in many different ways such as gaining muscular strength and ability. A person's desire is to lose weight and have a perfect toned figure, but it also helps ease a lot of other conditions as well. Exercising is considered to be a mood booster. It helps improve self esteem and will lower depression. It will make a person a lot happier, and will help bring a positive reaction in the body. Physical activity is very important for obesity. It is really important for obese children or adults to get some form of exercise in their lives. It can be very beneficial for them and can help prevent long term illnesses. People that exercise on a daily basis do it because it helps them feel more positive about themselves and they will be more energized, motivated and focused for the day. It gives people an excessive amount of happiness.
This is an important area of health because regular physical activity keeps your body functioning properly. If you perform sufficient physical activity, you can manage your body weight better, reduce your risk of heart attacks, diabetes, some cancers, high blood pressure, have stronger bones, joint and muscles while feeling energetic, happy, relaxed and sleep better.