Physical Activity and Healthy Ageing

Abstract

Ageing is a natural process, which is believed to begin from conception. However Zander Zanden(1997) opined that aging is that period in life when the bodily functioning begins to decline and that the onset varies from one person to another; depending on both genetic and environmental factors. Ladies and gentlemen, please permit me to state that within the context of this presentation the following concepts: Ageing, Aged, Elderly, Old age will be used interchangeably. This is because they have been so differently used by different authorities, as found convenient by them. Moreover, strict separation of the concepts is usually not practiceable. As people age, they experience a gradual accumulation of molecular and cellular damage that results in a general decrease in physiological reserves. These broad physiological and homeostatic changes are largely inevitable, although their extent will vary significantly among individuals at any particular chronological age. Interestingly, evidence abound pointing to the fact that a link between low physical activity and disorders, such as joint problems, hypertension, diabetes, cancer of the large intestine, depression and anxiety, has also been established in older people. Therefore, bodily functions must be put to use and skills must be maintained for them not to regress. Hence, physical activity and exercise play a crucial role in attaining and preserving healthy ageing.