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The Benefits of Physical ActivityPhysical activity offers a range of benefits for all ages and abilities.
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Leisure-time physical activity provides a balance to the demands of family and work...4 |
Active individuals typically report improvement in energy levels, job attitude, and overall morale 7.
The Canada Life Assurance Company study noted an increase in productivity in fitness program participants compared to their inactive colleagues. Workplace physical activity programs reduce absenteeism due to illness, injury, and stress 8.
Weight-bearing physical activity reduces the rate of bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Regular physical activity maintains strength and flexibility, and balance and coordination, and can help reduce the risk of falls - a real worry for the elderly 9.
Increasing age is associated with increased limitation in the ability to carry out basic activities of daily living. A significant portion of the decline in functional capacity associated with aging is due to physical inactivity 10.
In short, physical activity helps prolong good health and independence. |
The active living movement removes the yardstick in comparing one person to another. It lets people set their own standards, and reap the social, emotional, spiritual and physical benefits of choosing their own activities. Active living helps make coping with the everyday challenges of life easier, and can even prevent relapses of certain disabilities. It can also increase the energy a person has to deal with the physical and mental stresses of a disability.
From a health perspective, active living increases mobility, improves posture, and reduces aches and pains that can accompany long periods of sitting. Better circulation reduces the possibility of blood-pooling and swelling in the legs. And maintenance of a healthy weight helps those who use aids to get around more easily.
Active living protects and promotes a healthy environment by encouraging Canadians to participate in outdoor activities like walking, cycling and gardening. Environmental benefits are achieved when Canadians choose active modes of transportation such as walking, cycling or in-line skating rather than using their cars for a few more trips per week. Therefore, active living can contribute to decreasing air pollution.
Through active outdoor physical activities (walking, gardening and cycling), Canadians not only improve their health but also help the environment. 11 |
Last Updated: 2003-10-08 |