by Robert Fortini

Created on: June 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 16, 2009

Exercise and Quality of Life

Of the many benefits of exercise, (and they are numerous) the most tangible and easily attained is the huge increase in positive effects collectively quantified as: quality of life. An increase in quality of life becomes most desirable as we age and those faculties such as balance, strength, flexibility, lean body mass, bone density, adequate digestion, sound sleep, and over-all feelings of well being, begin to gradually diminish. In tandem with the incidence of positive changes that exercise has been clinically proven to bring, is the clinically proven effects of exercise in preventing the incidence of diseases such as: joint pain, cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, many kinds of cancers, high blood pressure, and sexual dysfunction.

According to information published in the American Academy of Physical Education Papers (1993), sedentary individuals will experience a decline in physiological performance of about 2% per year, while people who engage in regular exercise will realize a decline of only about 0.5% per year. (1) Given the ever increasing lifespan baby boomers are experiencing, this difference has the potential to be quite significant.

According to, Fitness: The Ultimate Guide International Sports Sciences Association:

Dr. DeVries of USC has shown that men and women in their 70's and 80's can achieve levels of vigor associated with people 30 years younger. This means that, assuming there are no underlying disorders; exercise can make an 85-year-old as strong as a 55-year-old person. Regular participation in physical activity can raise the fitness level of an active 64-year-old to that of an average, sedentary 30-year-old. Dr. Alex Lief of Harvard Medical School believes that exercise is the closest thing we have to an anti-aging pill. He states, Regular daily physical activity has been a way of life for virtually every person who has reached the age of 100 in sound physical condition. (1)

Given these proven benefits in quality of life as we age, regular physical exercise (ideally under the supervision of a trained professional) should be just as integral a part of a healthy lifestyle as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet. For the sake of continued health, mobility, and independence in the later years of life, a regimen of strength training (weight bearing exercises), and cardio vascular training should be maintained throughout the lifetime, or begun as soon as possible.

Using sound technique and the knowledge of qualified professionals, anyone, regardless of their current fitness level, can experience the benefits of increased quality of life that exercise provides.

Sources:

Fitness: the Complete Guide Official Text for ISSA'S Certified Trainer Program, Frederick C. Hatfield, PhD. (2004)

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