I write regularly here about the benefits of exercise on both the body and brain. Because we are, in fact, organic machines, I believe the law of the body is use it or lose it.
Here’s a summary of what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has to say in its latest Morbidity and Mortality Report.
“Physical activity has health benefits for persons of all ages. When adults are not able to meet guidelines because of factors such as age, chronic disease, or disabilities, they should engage in physical activity according to their abilities; adults who participate in any physical activity will gain some health benefits. Communities can provide supports that help everyone become more active by using recommended evidence-based strategies.
What is added by this report?
“Overall, 27.5% of adults aged above 50 years reported no physical activity outside of work during the past month. Inactivity prevalence significantly increased with increasing age, and was 25.4% among adults aged 50–64 years, 26.9% among adults aged 65–74 years, and 35.3% among adults aged above 75 years. Inactivity prevalence was significantly higher among women than men, among Hispanics and non-Hispanic blacks than among non-Hispanic whites, and among persons reporting ever having had one or more of seven selected chronic diseases than among those not reporting one. Inactivity prevalence significantly increased with decreasing levels of education and increasing body mass index.
What are the implications for public health practice?
“Despite the many benefits of being physically active, approximately one in four adults aged above 50 years is inactive. Communities can be designed and enhanced to make it safer and easier for persons of all ages and abilities to be physically active.”
Lastly, please check out my Page – Important facts about your brain ( and exercise benefits).