- The Importance of Physical Activity Throughout Life
- Childhood and Adolescence: Creating Healthy Habits
- Adulthood: Maintaining Well-Being
- Old Age: Focusing on Balance and Prevention
Follow Patricia Alegsa on Pinterest!
The Importance of Physical Activity Throughout Life
Physical activity is a fundamental pillar for maintaining health at all stages of life. The
World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the need to adapt exercise routines according to age, from childhood to old age, to prevent diseases and improve quality of life.
This approach not only seeks physical benefits but also emotional and social ones, thus promoting overall well-being.
Childhood and Adolescence: Creating Healthy Habits
For the younger ones, the WHO suggests a minimum of 60 minutes of daily physical activity, which can include outdoor games, sports, and activities such as swimming or walking.
The activity should be fun and recreational, allowing children to develop healthy habits that they will maintain throughout their lives. In addition to physical benefits, regular exercise improves mental health, reducing stress and anxiety, and fostering positive self-esteem.
Muscle and bone strengthening activities (
the right diet to protect your bone health), such as jumping, running, or climbing stairs, are essential at least three times a week.
An interesting fact is that teenagers who participate in sports or remain physically active tend to have better social skills and fewer emotional problems. The fight against childhood obesity, a growing challenge worldwide, also finds in exercise an effective tool.
Adulthood: Maintaining Well-Being
En adulthood, the WHO recommendations vary according to the intensity of the exercise. A minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week is advised, such as walking or dancing, or 75 minutes of intense activity, such as running or participating in competitive sports.
The combination of both types of exercise is ideal for optimal physical and mental balance. It is also suggested to include muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week, crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone health.
It is interesting to note that everyday activities, such as doing housework or walking the dog, can significantly contribute to meeting these recommendations, demonstrating that you don't always need a gym to stay active.
Sports that protect you from Alzheimer's
Old Age: Focusing on Balance and Prevention
In old age, physical activity takes on special importance, not only to maintain physical health but also to prevent falls and preserve independence.
The WHO recommends following the general guidelines for adults, but adding exercises that improve strength and balance, such as tai chi or yoga (
yoga protects against the effects of aging), at least two or three times a week.
These practices not only strengthen the body but also improve coordination, significantly reducing the risk of falls.
According to Mayo Clinic, older adults who maintain a regular exercise routine experience improvements in memory and cognition, and enjoy greater emotional well-being.
Additionally, regular physical activity can delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, highlighting the importance of staying active at every stage of life.
Subscribe to the free weekly horoscope
Aquarius Aries Cancer Capricorn Gemini Leo Libra Pisces Sagittarius Scorpio Taurus Virgo