Lack of physical activity plays a major role in causing 3.2 million deaths worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which is due to various reasons like lack of facilities, increase in sedentary behavior, heavy traffic areas and pollution. Researchers say that elders above the age of 65 gain the ability to be independent and take care of personal activities and chores as long as they include exercise in their daily routine. WHO suggests older adults get 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity during the week as well as muscle strengthening exercises twice a week. Adults suffering from mobility issues are also recommended to add exercise to enhance their balance. A study was conducted and daily activities of participants were divided into activities of daily living (ADLs), such as getting up, eating, and drinking, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as running errands and doing housework. Results showed that those who were involved in optimal physical exercise exhibited twice the ability to perform IADLs and thrice the ability to manage ADLs than those who did not perform recommended exercise. "People of all ages should be more active so as to stay healthy and independent for longer and remain self-sufficient. For this, there is only one thing we can do: continue to strive toward greater public awareness! says Richard Crevenna, head of the Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Occupational Medicine at MedUni Vienna.
(Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com)
