Maintaining an active physical lifestyle is key to continuing a healthy life as you get older. Numerous academic studies reflect this basic truth. As a result of this, through these studies, it has been learned what is best for different ages, bodies, how different bodies react, etc. For one thing, studies like the one led by Dr. Susan Gilchrist, where 8,000 cancer-free patients wore an accelerometer.
The accelerometer patients wore tracked their activity for seven consecutive days. The accelerometer sent data back. The data was collected between 2009 and 2013. On the follow-up done after five years, it was recorded that 268 patients died of cancer. This study proved the negative results of sedentary behavior. Sedentary behavior is when a person has little to no physical movement in their everyday life. As a consequence of this behavior, it can increase the risk of cancer.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Human bodies thrive off of physical activity and a healthy diet. Immediate results can be achieved right after a session of moderate to vigorous physical activity. For example, reduced feelings of anxiety, improved sleep, and boost cognitive function. In early years and into adolescence, when the mind and body are still developing, it is crucial to regularly partake in physical activity. In effect, active youth typically have lower body fat and stronger bones. Also, improved academic performance.
Additionally, children age three to five should be doing at least three hours of physical activity. For example, acts that strengthen their bones, such as bicycling and skipping. On the other hand, youth of ages 6 through 17 are recommended to do moderate and vigorous activities that add up to 60 minutes a day or more. Here, youth are to do activities such as age-appropriate muscle and bone strengthening. As for elderly people, it is important to have broken up periods of time throughout the week when they engage in light physical activity.
Importance of Bone and Musculoskeletal Health
It is crucial for people to have strong and healthy bones, joints, and muscles. Your bones provide protection for your internal organs. Strong bones are necessary for balance and also good posture. Your bones are what carry you throughout and support you in everyday activities.
As you age, bone density declines, therefore building and preserving healthy bones, joints, and muscles as soon as possible is beneficial. Another key point is having a healthy diet. Calcium is a mineral that aids the body in strengthening the bones. Another valuable factor is vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient and fat-soluble vitamin. Studies have shown that vitamin D can reduce cancer cell growth. Also, it helps the body absorb and retain calcium.
Risks and Effects of Sedentary Behavior
Sedentary behavior is dangerous for a growing body and brain. Adults and elders who didn’t take part in physical activity when they were younger now suffer through the struggle and risk of injury and low stamina. Additionally, inactive middle-aged and older adults face functional limitations. For example, such functional limitations are daily tasks like walking, running, climbing stairs, and carrying semi-heavy objects. Due to this, it becomes more likely to experience falls and bone injuries.
Inactive women face a higher chance of hip fractures, which remain a problem for life. Furthermore, the more of your time you spend in Sedentary Behavior, the more your chances of contracting cancer increase. In addition, a problem In the United States is in need of immediate action. More and more children are facing child obesity, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Written by Meredith Garcia
Sources
CDC 24/7: Benefits of physical activity
Earth.com: Sedentary Behavior is linked to higher risk of cancer mortality by Chrissy Sexton
Health.gov: Physical activity guidelines for American, 2nd edition
