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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
Physical activity may have a lot of physical benefits, but along with those physical benefits are many mental benefits. Many medical professionals recommend
Pate et al. (1995) stated that physical activity is needed for health promotion and disease prevention. They also stated that every adult should do at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise everyday if possible. Moderate intensity exercising includes activities such as brisk walking and cycling as stated by the Department of Health (2011). They also state that regular physical activity will improve a person’s mental health as it will increase self esteem and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Physical wellbeing is also enhanced by an increase in physical activity. The World Health Organisation (WHO) (2002) found that in developed countries 20% of heart disease and 10% of strokes are due to physical inactivity. Furthermore a lack of physical activity is found to cause 3% of all diseases.
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...
Keteyian, Dr. Steven(2000, October 10). Exercise Boosts Mental, Physical Health. Retrieved April 12, 2005, from http://psycport.com/news/2000/10/10/DTNS/000-0286-Keyword.Missing.html
There are three essential components to ageing gracefully and successfully; ‘low probability of disease and disability, high cognitive and physical functional capacity and active engagement with life.’ (Edwards, 2011) It is recommended that people aged over 65 require adequate fitness levels so that they can ‘maintain their independence, recover from any illnesses and also prevent disease.’ (Better Health Channel, 2014) This essay investigates how staying active in later life will improve the health and well-being of older people by unpacking the health benefits to physical activity later in life as well as how this activity contributes to improving health and wellness. It is said that healthy ageing should ideally start in childhood and be
Blumenthal et al. (2007) and Diaz and Motta (2008) conducted empirical studies to prove their hypotheses about the relationship of exercise and mental health. Blumenthal et al. looked at a sample size of 202 adults over the age of 40 and randomly assigned them to one of four groups: (a) group exercise setting, (b) home based exercise group, (c) sertraline group, or (d) placebo group. The participants who were assigned to the exercise groups participated in a 16 week moderate exercise program. The other two groups either received sertraline or a placebo pill. All participants were assessed before, during, and after using the Becks Depression Inventory II [BDI] (Beck, Sheer, & Brown, 1996) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAM-D] (Williams, 19...
... wellness. (Jengliang, 2010). Achieve healthy aging is associated with beneficial effects of regular exercise. Regular physical exercise in the elderly may be equivalent to 10 to 20 years of rejuvenation (Andrews, 2001)
This study suggests that fall risk prevention should include information on physical activity. This shows that Activity Theory is important on aging. The article suggested ways to help get older adults involved in physical activity such as; exercise programs focused only on older adults, practicing positive reinforcement, and teaching ways to overcome barriers in activity.
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.
Exercising is usually recreational physical activity carried out with the goal of building health and fitness. Looking forward to exercising and feeling really good with regard to the results of exercise on your body is common. Regular exercise improves mobility, overall flexibility, as well as balance in mature adults. Exercise also boosts the blood flow to the brain improving you mood.
Lack of physical body exercises; basing on their tight schedules, most adults allocate little time or none at all for body exercises, subjecting themselves to cardiovascular body problems which may trigger harmful cases such heart attack, high blood pressure, heart/kidney failure, among others. Moreover, body exercises also enhance the functioning of body systems, organs, tissues and cells, which is instrumental for the health of adults. This can be improved through deliberate support to old individuals, and creation of awareness for them to embrace
One of the best ways in how people can improve their overall mood, keep their bones healthy and even live longer, is by being an active person. Fred DeVito stated that “if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn 't change you”; however most people just want exercise just to have a fit body and be healthier without knowing great results. Other effects that exercise has into the body are normalization of glucose, insulin and leptin levels. In other words not only will it make the appearance in a person’s life to look great, but their entire body will have an extraordinary response. In order to have a more fulfilling and enjoyable life, those who are out of shape should participate in regular fitness schedule reginert.
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).
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.
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...