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Physical Activity Benefits in Active Ageing

2017; Springer Nature (Netherlands); Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/978-3-319-52063-6_2

2211-7652

Gonçalo Dias, Micael S. Couceiro, Pedro Cabral Mendes, Maria de Lurdes Almeida,

Health and Wellbeing Research

Ageing is a biosocial process which results in the loss of capacity over time. This decline is gradual and can significantly vary from individual to individual, according to their genetic, morphological and functional characteristics. This chapter shows that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of prevalence of chronic diseases in agieng and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality of the elderly. For example, physically active elderly can have higher levels of functionality, improved cognitive performance and a lower risk of falling. On this basis, a physical activity programme can minimize the motor decline in the elderly, preventing the loss of functionality or inability of states, thus promoting significant health benefits. One can also state that more physically active older individuals have lower ratios of mortality, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type-2 diabetes, colon cancer and breast cancer.