The benefits of physical activity for people over 50
The positive impact of sport on the body and mind is well established, especiallywhen the age of 50 is underway. Physical activity has protective effects on the muscular, cardiovascular, neurological and immune systems.
For this it is not necessary to practice sport at a high level. A simple daily walk a little dynamic, the practice of gardening or that of a gentle gymnastics at home remain adapted activitiesthat improve the quality of life of the fifties.
A scientific study corroborates these facts.
Sport for the over 50s
According to an IFOP survey, more than 2/3 of the fifties are so-called sports workers. Among them, just under half practice physical activity several times a week and less than 20% try a monthly effort only. Which is not enough but may seem like a good start. Because, it is a certain fact, it is that moving your body prevents chronic diseases, cancer, overweight and limits cholesterol.
However, practicing a physical practice involves some risks that must be anticipated. Already, the activityshould not be too intense and poorly managed. Choosing the right sport is important for fragile people such as seniors or obese: a so-called endurance aerobic activity of 20 or 30 minutes with a moderate intensity conducted between 3 to 5 times a week, with or without fractional is ideal.
In addition, the WHO recommends in its recommendations for the health of its seniors (65 years and over) a mixture of practices that combine business with pleasure: cycling to get groceries, practicing household chores mindfully, using stairs instead of taking the elevator, etc.
But when is he over 50 obese?
Even if sport has a beneficial action, there is nevertheless a downside for this segment of the population. Indeed, the most classic discourse concerning overweight is that, in addition to the aesthetic issue, obesity has serious consequences on health by reducing the quality of life and increasing the mortality of subjects who are affected. Few studies have clarified the relationship between age, obesity and mortality, but two recent studies provide some answers.
A Japanese study looked at the relationship between BMI (Body Mass Index, calculate yours by clicking here) and cardiovascular mortality. Scientists have shown that the risk of death is lower in people who had a BMI greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 than in people with a low BMI. The other study confirms that the mortality of obese peopleis lower among themthan among those who are of normal weight.
As they age, fifties, when they are rather lean, should be encouraged to gain weight through food intake and training adapted to increase muscle mass. For those who are slightly overweight, they must “let go” on their excess pounds and it is only for the obese that the question remains suspended.
In conclusion, from the age of 50, people who remain physically active have a lower mortality rate for stroke, diabetes, cancer. Falls are less, cognitive function is better,and their social lives are richer. They have greater muscular and cardiorespiratory capacity, a more reliable body mass and biological markers that indicate greater prevention of so-called civilizational diseases. Spread the word!
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.